gk barca Barcelona vs. Alaves lineups, expected starting 11, confirmed team news, injuries: Dani Olmo could return as Flick mulls rotation

Barcelona will attempt to reduce the gap to La Liga leaders Real Madrid when they host Deportivo Alaves on Sunday.

Hansi Flick’s side begin this matchweek seven points behind the reigning champions and three adrift of second-place Atletico Madrid. The gap to the top could be 10 points by the time Barca take to the field, with Madrid facing Espanyol a day earlier.

Barca played out an engaging 2-2 draw with Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League this week as they confirmed second spot in the league phase, and Flick will need to consider whether any rotation to his lineup will be needed.

Alaves are just one point and one place above the bottom three, so any sort of positive result here would be a welcome boost in their bid for survival.

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Barcelona vs. Alaves lineups, predicted starting 11, team news

Dani Olmo missed the draw with Atalanta but will hope to be fit enough to return to the matchday squad this weekend.

Inigo Martinez is not expected to be back from a tendon issue, while Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Marc Bernal are long-term absentees.

Ansu Fati may be kept out of the squad as talks continue over a possible exit before the transfer deadline

Barcelona predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Szczesny (GK) — Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde — Casado, Pedri — Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha — Lewandowski

Injured: Olmo (calf, doubt), Ter Stegen (knee), Bernal (knee), Martinez (tendon)
Suspended: None

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Goalkeeper Antonio Sivera is still recovering from a broken hand, but Alaves’ squad is otherwise in decent shape. Jesus Owono has performed capably in his absence.

Veteran forward Kike Garcia should keep his place after scoring in last week’s draw with Celta Vigo.

Alaves predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Owono (GK) — Tenaglia, Abqar, Diarra, Sanchez — Guevara, Benavidez — Vicente, Guridi, Conechny — Kike

Injured: Sivera (hand)
Suspended: None

Barcelona vs. Alaves live stream, TV channel

Here’s how to watch this La Liga match across selected areas of the world’s major regions: