Barcelona to Bounce Back Against Alaves Despite Recent Setbacks?

Barcelona travel to Vitoria-Gasteiz to take on Alaves in a La Liga clash with contrasting recent form. The Catalans are looking to bounce back from consecutive defeats, while the hosts are riding a four-match winning streak.

Barcelona’s Struggles and Xavi’s Announcement:

Barca’s form has been worrying, with back-to-back losses to Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal raising concerns. They scraped past Osasuna thanks to a late winner but lacked attacking bite. Head coach Xavi’s announcement of his departure at the end of the season adds further uncertainty.

Alaves on a High:

In contrast, Alaves are flying high, winning four of their last five matches. Their 3-0 victory over Almeria saw teenager Samu Omorodion bag a brace, showcasing their attacking potential.

Head-to-Head Record Favors Barcelona:

Historically, Barcelona have dominated this fixture, winning 11 and drawing 2 of their last 13 meetings against Alaves. This includes a narrow 2-1 victory earlier this season. However, recent form suggests a closer contest.

Alaves vs Barcelona Prediction:

Despite their struggles, Barcelona’s quality and historical dominance against Alaves make them slight favorites. However, Alaves’ current form and Barca’s defensive frailties cannot be ignored. A close encounter is likely, with a narrow Barcelona win (1-0 or 2-1) the most probable outcome.

High-Scoring Encounter Expected:

Both teams have been involved in high-scoring games recently. Five of Barcelona’s last six matches and four of the previous five meetings between these sides saw at least four goals scored. Therefore, the Over 2.5 goals market holds value.