class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>The visitors have a strong scoring record against the biggest teams in La Liga this season and our tipster is backing them to net at Camp Nou
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Barcelona welcome Alaves to Camp Nou on Saturday evening in La Liga with Ronald Koeman likely to have one eye on Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
The manager has shown he is not afraid to rest players for upcoming matches, leaving Lionel Messi on the bench for last weekend’s La Liga clash against Real Betis to prioritise the Copa Del Rey semi-final against Sevilla.
Barcelona vs Alaves Latest Odds
Barca have dropped points in four of their 10 home league matches this season, losing to Real Madrid and drawing with Eibar, Valencia and Sevilla.
The hosts are offered at 2/7 (1.28) to claim a victory with bet365 while Alaves are the longest-priced team in La Liga this weekend, available at 8/1 (9.00) with the draw at 5/1 (6.00).
Barcelona vs Alaves Team News
Barca have a host of injury issues to contend with, as long-term absentees Gerard Pique, Ansu Fati, Philippe Coutinho and Sergi Roberto remain out. Centre-back Ronald Araujo is also missing and Miralem Pjanic is a doubt.
Defender Rodrigo Ely was ruled out with a season-ending injury back in December, but otherwise Alaves have no injury concerns.
Barcelona vs Alaves Preview
The Catalans’ defensive issues will be a concern for Koeman and the loss of Araujo is a major blow, as the Uruguayan has been one of Barca’s best performers this season.
Indeed, the Blaugrana have conceded in seven of their last nine matches in all competitions and there should certainly be some interest in opposing them to keep a clean sheet this weekend.
Whilst Alaves are not one of the division’s most-prolific sides, they boast an extremely dangerous attacking duo in Joselu and Lucas Perez and have scored in both of their matches against Real Madrid, as well as netting in their recent clashes with Atletico Madrid and Sevilla.
The Basques also held Barca to a 1-1 draw at the Estadio Mendizorroza earlier this season and backing them to get on the score sheet once again should appeal.
Barcelona vs Alaves Tips and Predictions
Both teams to score is priced at 4/5 (1.80) and looks like an excellent option, while combining this with a Barca victory sees the price rise to 13/8 (2.63).
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Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.