Pedri, Eric Garcia start in a 4-2-3-1: How Barcelona can line up against Alaves

FC Barcelona will look to go into the international break with a victory when they lock horns with Deportivo Alaves away at the Mendizzoroza Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Blaugrana are seated atop the La Liga table with 21 points from a possible 24 thus far, opening a healthy lead over Real Madrid.

Having lost their previous La Liga match against Osasuna by a 4-2 scoreline, Barcelona bounced back with a statement display in midweek against Young Boys in the UEFA Champions League.

Heading into tomorrow’s game, Barça welcome Frenkie de Jong back to the matchday squad for a La Liga game after more than five months. Meanwhile, Eric Garcia returns to the squad after missing the midweek UCL clash through suspension.

However, Barcelona continue to remain without Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal, Dani Olmo, Gavi and Fermin Lopez. New signing Wojciech Szczesny has trained with the team but has not been included in the squad either.

Here’s how Barça could line up against Luis Garcia Plaza’s men at the Mendizorroza tomorrow afternoon.

Defence

With no Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Szczesny not ready to feature, Inaki Pena will be the guaranteed starter in goal for Barcelona against Alaves.

As for the defence, Hansi Flick is likely to keep any rotation to a minimum after the result against Osasuna.

Jules Kounde will thus continue at right-back even though the manager has the option of deploying Hector Fort. Alejandro Balde will be continuing on the left side of the defence, flanking the centre-back pair of Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez.

Midfield

Frenkie de Jong will continue to be eased back into action and as such, a start for the Netherlands international is unlikely.

Eric Garcia, back after serving his suspension in Europe, should slot in as the defensive midfielder for Barcelona. The La Masia ace will likely pair up with Marc Casado, who has been in brilliant form, becoming a mainstay under Flick.

This should enable Pedri to take up a higher position as the No. 10 for Barcelona in the 4-2-3-1 setup. It will be the 21-year-old superstar’s 13th consecutive appearance for club and country.

Young Pablo Torre will have to contend with a spot on the bench, but could get some minutes in the second period.

Attack

Robert Lewandowski has been in unstoppable form this season and will look to extend his lead at the top of the Pichichi standings tomorrow against Alaves.

Lamine Yamal appeared to be a little miffed after being withdrawn in the last game and will be eager to make an impact on the pitch again away at the Mendizorroza.

Raphinha will be the third forward for Barça, moving to the left flank after starting in the No. 10 role last time out against Young Boys.

Ferran Torres will thus drop out of the team but is expected to get some minutes off the bench. Ansu Fati will also be an option to bolster the attack in the latter stages of the game if needed.