Barcelona may have won the 2025/26 La Liga season, but they will aim to get closer to breaching the 100-point mark when they lock horns with Deportivo Alaves at the Mendizorrotza on Wednesday night. Hansi Flick has a new roster issue to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Lamine Yamal remains the most notable absentee due to a hamstring injury. The Spanish attacking sensation may not play again for the Blaugrana this season, but he will focus on getting ready for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, Raphinha is unavailable, as he will serve a suspension on Wednesday. Additionally, Andreas Christensen may not be fit enough to take on Alaves despite resuming training this week.
Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick did not provide fitness updates on any player but discussed his desire to breach the 100-point mark. The German tactician also talked about his future. He also spoke about the lack of game time for Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde in recent weeks.
The Barcelona head coach said, “The team, and I, want 100 points, and for that we have to win the three games we have left. Over the last few days they’ve shown me I’m in the right place, and I really appreciate that.”
“Kounde gives his all for the team. I don’t know if he was happy, but he accepted it. We’re a team. It’s too early to know what will happen next season. He [Balde] has improved a lot, he’s taken a step forward, but I’ve told him he still needs to take another step and we’re helping him. That’s what I ask of him, to improve day by day. He’s a great player.”
Joan Garcia is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Barcelona lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Deportivo Alaves on Wednesday. The backline will feature Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, and Alejandro Balde.
As for the midfield unit, Frenkie de Jong should line up alongside Gavi in the double pivot, with Pedri getting some rest. Fermin Lopez will reprise the no. 10 role, with Marcus Rashford and Roony Bardghji being the two wide attackers. Finally, Ferran Torres should lead the line for the away side against Alaves, with Robert Lewandowski being a backup option on the bench.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Joan Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Balde; Gavi, de Jong; Bardghji, Fermin, Rashford; Torres
