Barcelona will attempt to rebound from their inaugural La Liga defeat this season when they visit Alaves’ Mendizorrotza Stadium on Sunday. Despite last weekend’s 4-2 loss to Osasuna, Barcelona remains atop the table with 21 points from eight matches. Alaves, meanwhile, sits 11th with 10 points.

Alaves finished 10th in La Liga last season upon their return to the top tier and have made a respectable start to the new campaign. Luis Garcia’s side boasts three wins, one draw, and four defeats, scoring 11 goals thus far. The goals have been evenly distributed among the team, indicating a cohesive attacking unit. However, their recent form is concerning, having lost three of their last four games, including consecutive defeats to Real Madrid and Getafe.The Blue and Whites have struggled against Barcelona in recent years, losing each of their last three league encounters. Alaves last defeated Barcelona in September 2016, highlighting the magnitude of their task this weekend.Despite their European commitments, Barcelona will seek to exploit Alaves’ vulnerabilities. Osasuna successfully targeted Barcelona’s injuries last weekend, but the Catalan side bounced back with a convincing 5-0 Champions League victory over Young Boys.

Barcelona’s impressive start to the season under Hansi Flick has been remarkable, considering their injury woes. The Catalan side won their opening seven La Liga games and leads the league in goals scored with 25. Robert Lewandowski has been exceptional, scoring nine times in 10 appearances, demonstrating his status as one of the world’s top forwards.Barcelona’s injury list remains a concern, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo, Marc Bernal, Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo, and Gavi sidelined. Inigo Martinez has declared himself fit after an injury scare, and Eric Garcia returns to the squad following suspension. Alaves has a doubt surrounding Hugo Novoa’s availability but is otherwise in excellent shape. Head coach Garcia must make key decisions, potentially keeping faith with the lineup that started against Getafe. Toni Martinez will likely operate through the middle, while Joan Jordan continues in central midfield. Carlos Vicente has scored twice in seven La Liga appearances and is expected to feature in a wide role. In contrast, Barcelona may make minimal changes to their lineup. Garcia may replace Ferran Torres, while Inaki Pena continues in goal. New signing Wojciech Szczesny has a slight chance of being included in the squad. Frenkie de Jong made his return from a long-term ankle injury off the bench against Young Boys and may feature as a substitute this weekend.

This has the potential to be a tricky match for Barcelona, and the league leaders might have to remain patient, but we are fully expecting them to return to winning ways in Spain’s top flight courtesy of a routine success.

Best tip: Barcelona to win

Correct score: 1-3