Barcelona host Alavez in a La Liga fixture on Sunday as they continue their pursuit of the leaders. The Catalans have been prolific in attack lately and should earn a dominant win over the visitors.
After a run of four La Liga matches without a victory, Barcelona got back to winning ways last time out as they claimed an impressive 7-1 victory over Valencia. Although the Catalans followed it up with a 2-2 draw with Atalanta in the Champions League, they extended their unbeaten run to four matches across all competitions.
The win over Valencia highlights Barcelona’s rampant mood lately, with a string of one-sided wins among their recent results. Hansi Flick’s men beat Real Madrid 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final and also claimed a 5-1 Copa del Rey victory over Real Betis.
Alaves are battling at the opposite end of the table, sitting just one point above the relegation zone. Eduardo Coudet’s men have only earned one win in their last 10 matches in all competitions and were held to a 1-1 home draw by Celta Vigo in their previous fixture.
The visitors have also struggled on their travels, losing six of their last nine La Liga away matches. However, they will head into Sunday’s clash with some confidence having claimed a 3-1 victory at Real Betis in their previous away fixture.
How the bookies view it: Catalans overwhelming favourites
Barcelona have been installed as overwhelming favourites and are priced at 2/11 by BoyleSports to claim the win. An unlikely victory for Alaves is valued at 11/1 while BoyleSports is also offering odds of 11/2 for a draw.
Head to head: Catalans have the edge
Barcelona have a 24-4 advantage, with four draws from 32 previous matches against Alaves. The Catalans have also won the last four meetings and claimed a 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture back in October.
Players to watch: Red hot Raphinha
Raphinha remains a pivotal part of the Barcelona attack and has scored six times in the last six matches in all competitions. The Brazilian forward will be the one to watch and is priced at 21/20 by BoyleSports to find the net on Sunday.
Alaves have some quality going forward and will look to Kike Garcia to provide spark in attack. The forward has nine La Liga goals this season and is priced at 3/1 by BoyleSports to get on the score sheet on Sunday.
Probable line-ups
Dani Olmo is still missing for Barcelona with injury alongside Inigo Martinez and Marc Bernal. Fermin Lopez netted a brace against Valencia and could be handed a start on Sunday after coming off the bench in the Champions League while Robert Lewandowski should lead the line once again.
Abdelkabir Abqar is suspended for Alaves while Antonio Sivera is ruled out with injury. Kike should continue in attack while Moussa Diarra is set to retain his place in the heart of the defence.
Barcelona: Szczesny, Kounde, Cubarsi, Araujo, Balde, Pedri, Cassado, Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha, Lewandowski
Alaves: Owono, Sanchez, Diarra, Abqar, Tenaglia, Benavidez, Guevarra, Conechny, Gundi, Vicente, Kike
Anything else catch the eye?
There have been over 3.5 goals in four of Barcelona’s last five matches in all competitions and a repeat is priced at 10/11 with BoyleSports. The Catalans have won both halves in two of their last three home matches in all competition and a similar outcome is valued at 5/4 by BoyleSports.
Barcelona are expected to be dominant on Sunday and given their recent one-sided results, a -2 handicap can be considered at 13/10 with BoyleSports.
This La Liga match between Barcelona and Alaves will be played on Feb 2, 2025 and kick off at 13:00. Check below for our tipsters best Barcelona vs Alaves prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
