Barcelona, who are scheduled to visit Deportivo Alaves in La Liga on Sunday afternoon, will be keen to start the international break on a positive note.

The Blaugrana have had a challenging few weeks, dropping their last two games in all competitions. With Girona gaining ground at the top of the table, Xavi Hernandez and company need to win this weekend to stay in the hunt.

Even though the two clubs are not as good as each other, Barcelona will not have an easy game because they are currently going through a difficult period.

Alaves, meanwhile, has won their past five games across all competitions, with their most recent encounter against UD Almeria finishing in a 1-0 victory.

Because of this, tomorrow afternoon at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic, the emphasis will be on the defending La Liga champions.

With Gavi out due to suspension and Frenkie de Jong and Sergi Roberto sidelined by injuries, Xavi is short on alternatives in the midfield. And this is how Barcelona might line up for their last game before 2023’s last international break.

Beginners

Although some adjustments may be in store, particularly in light of recent performances, no significant shocks are anticipated in the defensive line-of duty.

In Sergi Roberto’s absence, Marc-Andre ter Stegen will lead the team as captain and start in goal for Barcelona on Sunday against Deportivo Alaves.

After missing out on starting in the midweek loss to Shakhtar Donetsk, Jules Kounde ought to be added back to the starting lineup at the center of the Blaugrana defense. After recovering from his previous game’s pain, Ronald Araujo is anticipated to partner with the Frenchman.

Joao Cancelo is the obvious choice at right-back because Xavi isn’t a natural fit for the position. Alejandro Balde, who was recently excluded from the Spain team, is expected to start at left back in place of Marcos Alonso.

Ilkay Gundogan hasn’t had much of a break this season, but since Barcelona is in desperate need of a victory, it seems doubtful that he would be rested against Alaves. The German international is therefore anticipated to start tomorrow as the holding midfielder.

Key men for Barcelona. (Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)

With no Gavi or Frenkie de Jong, Pedri should make his first start since returning from his two-month injury layoff. The 20-year-old’s presence should aid Barcelona in their attacking endeavours, with additional creativity and impetus arriving from Fermin Lopez.

Up top, Robert Lewandowski should start from the get-go, as he looks to lead Barça’s turnaround from the front.

Joao Felix ought to return to the lineup on the left flank, after being benched against Shakhtar Donetsk. Lamine Yamal could be another fresh face in attack, having not started any of the Blaugrana’s last three matches.

Felix · Lewandowski · YamalFermin · Gundogan · PedriBalde · Kounde · Araujo · Canceloter Stegen

Substitutes

Should he not start, Ferran Torres is certain to come off the bench at some point for Barcelona against Alaves. The same holds for Raphinha as well, especially if Xavi & co. are in need of more attacking firepower.

Oriol Romeu could relieve Ilkay Gundogan at some point in the second period while Inigo Martinez could do the same for Ronald Araujo, given the latter’s fitness trouble against Shakhtar.