Barcelona hosts Alavés at Spotify Camp Nou in a La Liga matchday 16 fixture. The Blaugrana aim to secure their fourth consecutive league victory and claim the top spot in the standings.
Hansi Flick may switch to a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Eric Garcia partnering De Jong in midfield and Christensen moving into the center of defense. Barcelona has a full squad available, except for the suspended Facundo Garcés. Pedri, who has recovered from a hamstring injury, is in the squad but will start on the bench. Raphinha, who has regained fitness, is expected to start.
Alavés has not beaten Barcelona since 2016. The Basque team has lost its last two league games and has only won one match away from home all season. Alavés will be without Fermin, who is injured, and Araújo, who is sidelined with a stomach virus. Their main attacking threats will be Lucas Boyé and Toni Martínez.
Barcelona needs a win to go top of the table, overtaking Real Madrid, who play later. Alavés, in turn, will try to end their poor run and secure a historic victory against the Catalan giants.
