Predicted Barcelona lineup against Deportivo Alaves: Casado in for de Jong; Cubarsi in defence

Marc Casado and Pau Cubarsi will return to the Barcelona starting lineup, while Frenkie de Jong will drop to the bench against Deportivo Alaves on Sunday.

Barcelona will be eager to return to winning ways and close the gap to Real Madrid atop La Liga when they welcome Deportivo Alaves to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Sunday afternoon. Hansi has greeted a positive update on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.

Inigo Martinez is closing in on returning to action after recovering from a hamstring injury. However, the veteran centre-back might not be ready to be in the starting lineup this weekend. The Spanish defender’s recovery means Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, Dani Olmo, and Marc Bernal are the remaining players on the sidelines.

Olmo is the closest to returning to action, although the Spanish international is still some way away from being fit and available. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick provided a fitness update on Martinez and Olmo.

The Barcelona manager said, “It’s not easy for the players. The schedule is what it is. We are doing well with all the technical staff. Inigo is back, Dani has a little bit left. We are happy with Inigo’s return.”

Flick also fielded questions on the two goalkeepers in his squad, as is the case in every press conference. The German tactician briefly discussed the situation, saying, “At the moment, that’s how it is. Szczesny is No. 1.”

With Flick confirming a start for Wojciech Szczesny, Inaki Pena will remain on the bench. Barcelona will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of the veteran Polish goalkeeper against Deportivo Alaves, with the backline featuring Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, and Alejandro Balde. Cubarsi will replace Eric Garcia at the heart of the defence.

As for the midfield unit, Marc Casado should replace Frenkie de Jong as Pedri’s partner in the double pivot. Gavi will reprise the no. 10 role, with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha being the two wide attackers. Finally, Robert Lewandowski will spearhead the home side’s attack against Deportivo Alaves on Sunday, with Ferran Torres a backup option on the bench.

Barcelona vs Deportivo Alaves Predicted XI

Predicted Barcelona XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski

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