Seeking a much-welcomed La Liga boost on Saturday night, Barcelona will welcome Alaves to Catalonia.
With Europe’s elite domestic leagues stealing centre stage this weekend, there are plenty of attractive betting promotions available.
Ahead of Saturday’s La Liga showdown from Catalonia, you can find all of the key Barcelona vs Alaves H2H stats here.
Verdict: Barcelona to win both halves
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: BetUS
Barcelona
Starting with the hosts, while Barcelona might still be leading the chase at the top of the La Liga table, Hansi Flick’s superstar squad are searching for a much-welcomed boost this weekend. Eventually falling to a concerning 2-1 defeat at home against arch-rivals Real Madrid last time out, the former Bayern Munich boss has seen his side suffer consecutive losses across all competitions for the first time since back in February. Watching their early Champions League romp come to a rollercoaster end in Paris last week as they slumped to a 4-2 defeat against reigning European kings PSG, Barcelona are also searching for some essential defensive stability. Despite marking their return from September’s extended international break with a routine 3-0 win against Getafe, that is the only clean sheet that Saturday’s hosts from their previous nine consecutive appearances across all competitions.
Barcelona Team News
Limping off in the opening half hour against Real Madrid last weekend and expected for a two-month spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury, 19-year-old Xavi Espart will miss out here. Likewise, Spanish international Dani Olmo is recording from a recent groin issue and won’t play any part in Catalonia.
Enjoying what has been a record-breaking start to the 2026/27 campaign and already registering 16 direct goal contributions in his opening nine La Liga appearances (13 goals, three assists), Brazilian superstar Raphinha will spearhead Barca’s attack. Despite his Ballon d’Or snub this week, Lamine Yamal will partner Raphinha in the final third.
Alaves
As for the visitors, mustering 10 points from their opening four La Liga appearances when getting proceedings underway back in August, Alaves had cemented their spot as one of Spain’s ultimate surprise packages. However, despite opening this weekend’s fixtures sat within touching distance of the European spots, Quique Sanchez Flores has seen his squad come crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion. Last seen missing out on what they had billed as a golden opportunity as they were eventually forced to settle for a 1-1 stalemate against leading relegation candidates Malaga, the ex-Watford boss has seen his squad register just two points from their previous six La Liga showdowns. Although Alaves might have secured an iconic 1-0 victory when they welcomed Barcelona to the Basque Country for a La Liga showdown back on May 13th, Flores’ downbeat squad couldn’t have asked for a tougher examination this weekend.
Alaves Team News
Yet to feature since the end of August and still sidelined with an ankle injury, Alaves will travel to Catalonia this weekend without summer recruit and former Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Rodriguez. One-time Barcelona youngster Denis Suarez could be handed a full recall in the middle of the park.
Registering seven direct goal contributions in his 10 La Liga appearances so far this season (three goals, four assists), ex-Real Madrid star Mariano Diaz will play a leading role in the final third. Now in his sixth campaign in the Basque Country, Argentinian defender Nahuel Tenaglia will start at the back.
Barcelona vs Alaves Key Factors to Consider
- When Barcelona and Alaves last met for a La Liga showdown back on May 13th, Saturday’s guests claimed a sensational 1-0 victory in the Basque Country.
- Barcelona have suffered consecutive defeats across all competitions for the first time since back in February.
- Flick’s defending champions have mustered just a sole clean sheet from their previous nine appearances across all fronts.
- Alaves have registered just two points from any of their previous six La Liga appearances.
- Brazilian superstar Raphinha has remarkably registered 16 direct goal contributions in his opening nine La Liga appearances (13 goals, three assists).
Conclusion
While Alaves might have clinched an iconic 1-0 victory when they welcomed Barcelona to the Basque Country for a La Liga showdown back in May, Saturday’s guests are bracing themselves for a monumental challenge here. Meeting a Barca squad who are desperately searching for an essential boost this weekend, Flick’s defending champions are rightfully installed as a landslide contender in Catalonia. With Alaves mustering just a pair of points from their previous six straight La Liga appearances, Barcelona will be confident of making a public statement on home soil.
Verdict: Barcelona to win both halves
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: BetUS
