De Jong, Adeyemi start in a 4-2-3-1: How Barcelona can line up against Alaves

De Jong, Adeyemi start in a 4-2-3-1: How Barcelona can line up against Alaves After tasting consecutive defeats against PSG and Real Madrid last week, Barcelona will be raring to get back on track and produce a strong reaction when they take on Deportivo Alaves later tonight at the Spotify Camp Nou. The Blaugrana remain at the top of the La Liga table, but their lead has reduced as a consequence of their 1-2 El Clasico loss last weekend. Atletico Madrid, currently in second place, are only two points behind Barcelona, while third-placed Real Madrid have cut down the gap to the top to three points. Therefore, it is imperative that Hansi Flick & co. return to winning ways tonight and secure all three points against an Alaves side that has struggled to get results in recent weeks. Indeed, Quique Sanchez Flores’ men have failed to win any of their last six matches and head into tonight’s encounter on the back of a 1-1 draw against Malaga. The occasion provides Barcelona with the ideal opportunity to get back on track ahead of more challenging fixtures against Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid coming up next week. However, the reigning La Liga champions continue to be blighted by injuries with Xavi Espart now joining Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen, Dani Olmo, and Roony Bardghji on the sidelines, leaving Flick short-handed particularly in defence. With that in mind, here’s how the German tactician could set his Barcelona team up against Alaves at home tonight. Defence Joan Garcia is a guaranteed starter in goal for Barcelona and will be eager to secure a clean sheet after having conceded in each of his last four games. Meanwhile, given the number of absences in the defensive unit, Flick is expected to string together an experimental backline that he tested out in training on the eve of the match. Frenkie de Jong , who made his return from injury in the Clasico , appears set to start at centre-back, partnering Pau Cubarsi , allowing Gerard Martin to rest. Debut at long last? (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images) Meanwhile, academy gem Brian Farinas appears all set to make his official debut for Barcelona, slotting in as the right-back – a position he played in during pre-season. Joao Cancelo , therefore, is expected to continue operating on the left side of the defence, leaving Alejandro Balde on the bench once more. Midfield As for the midfield department, Flick is unlikely to make any notable change, especially with the team needing to bounce back to winning ways. As such, the double pivot of superstar duo Pedri and Rodri is expected to take the field again for Barcelona against Alaves tonight. It would mean that the likes of Gavi and Marc Bernal will have to settle for a spot on the bench and hope to receive an opportunity later on in the match. As for the attacking midfield position, Fermin Lopez remains the obvious choice to start, especially with Dani Olmo being sidelined with an injury. Attack A chance for Adeyemi. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) Karim Adeyemi could get a look-in on the left flank after his fellow summer signing Anthony Gordon was the preferred starter for Barcelona against both PSG and Real Madrid. The German international will be eager to make the opportunity count and gain an advantage in the competition for places in the attacking unit. Meanwhile, there is no looking past superstar forward Lamine Yamal on the right flank, while club captain and leading goalscorer Raphinha will continue to operate as the centre-forward.