Barcelona vs Alavés prediction

THE FORECAST

Barcelona carry a significant injury burden — including Rodri, De Jong, Gavi, Raphinha, Kounde and Dani Olmo among others — and face a Champions League fixture just three days later, raising rotation risk, but they remain top of La Liga averaging 4.0 goals per game at home and Alaves have no away win this season with only three away goals scored. Alaves' habit of conceding late and their own absentee list (plus a suspension for Garces) make it hard to see them containing a Barcelona attack that will still carry considerable quality even with rotation. Mild weather conditions are neutral for both sides, and while Alaves pulled off a shock home win against Barca last season, this reverse fixture at the Camp Nou strongly favours the hosts.