Barcelona Predicted Lineup and Team News vs Deportivo Alaves: Flick Faces Rotation Dilemma After El Clásico Triumph

Barcelona are flying high. Just days after a dominant El Clásico victory that sealed their 29th La Liga title, Hansi Flick’s side now faces a tricky away trip to Deportivo Alavés on Wednesday night. The Catalan giants head to the Basque Country riding an 11-game winning streak in the league, but the celebrations in Catalonia must quickly give way to professional focus. With the title already wrapped up, the biggest question is not whether Barcelona will win, but how heavily Flick will rotate his squad.

The 2–0 win over Real Madrid at the Camp Nou was a masterclass in controlled aggression. It extended Barcelona’s perfect home record to 18 wins from 18 matches—a staggering statistic that underscores their domestic dominance. However, that euphoria was tempered by the confirmation that teenage sensation Lamine Yamal will miss the rest of the domestic season with a hamstring injury. This absence, combined with other enforced changes, means Flick must navigate a delicate balance between maintaining momentum and protecting key players.

Let’s dive into the full team news, the tactical implications, and our predicted lineup for this midweek clash at the Mendizorrotza.

Team News: Yamal Out, Heavy Rotation Expected

Barcelona’s medical room is not overflowing, but the few absences are significant. The headline blow is Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old winger has been a revelation this season, but his hamstring injury, suffered in training, rules him out for the remainder of La Liga. While this is a major setback for the club’s attacking dynamism, it also opens the door for other squad members to stake a claim.

Beyond Yamal, Flick is likely to manage minutes carefully. Key midfielders like Pedri and Gavi have played heavy minutes in recent weeks, and with the title secure, there is little reason to risk them from the start. Similarly, veteran striker Robert Lewandowski might be given a rest, allowing younger legs to lead the line.

On the positive side, Raphinha and Ferran Torres are fully fit and available. The Brazilian winger has been in electric form, while Torres offers a direct, energetic option on the flank. Frenkie de Jong is also expected to be in the squad, though he may be used as a second-half substitute to build his match fitness after a recent knock.

Here is a quick snapshot of the key injury and availability updates:

• Lamine Yamal – Out (hamstring, season-ending)
• Pedri – Likely rested (rotation)
• Gavi – Likely rested (rotation)
• Robert Lewandowski – Possible rest (rotation)
• Frenkie de Jong – Fit, likely on bench
• Raphinha – Fit, available
• Ferran Torres – Fit, pushing for start

Flick’s press conference hinted at sweeping changes. “We have to respect the squad depth,” he said. “The title is won, but every match is a professional obligation. We will give minutes to players who deserve them.”

Tactical Analysis: How Barcelona Can Overcome Alavés Without Yamal

Deportivo Alavés are a stubborn opponent, especially at home. They are battling to avoid relegation and will view this match as a chance to exploit a potentially complacent Barcelona side. The Basque club typically sets up in a compact 4-4-2, pressing high in transitions and relying on set pieces. Their main threat comes from wide crosses and second balls, areas where Barcelona’s defense has occasionally looked vulnerable.

Without Lamine Yamal, Barcelona lose their primary dribbling threat from the right flank. Yamal’s ability to cut inside or go to the byline has been a key outlet for Flick’s system. In his absence, expect Raphinha to shift to the right wing, where he can use his pace and crossing ability. On the left, Ferran Torres is the most natural replacement, though he tends to drift centrally, which could leave space for the overlapping full-back.

The midfield will likely feature Ilkay Gündoğan as the deep-lying playmaker, with Fermín López and Pablo Torre providing energy and creativity. This trio offers a mix of experience and youthful exuberance. Gündoğan’s ability to dictate tempo will be crucial against a physical Alavés midfield that will look to disrupt rhythm.

Defensively, Barcelona must be wary of Alavés’ aerial threat. Striker Kike García is a handful in the box, and set-piece delivery from Luis Rioja has caused problems for many teams. With Ronald Araújo likely to be rested, the partnership of Pau Cubarsí and Andreas Christensen will need to be vigilant. Jules Koundé could also feature at right-back, offering additional defensive solidity.

Key tactical points to watch:

• Wide rotations: Without Yamal, Raphinha and Torres must provide width and direct running.
• Midfield control: Gündoğan’s passing range will be vital to bypass Alavés’ press.
• Set-piece defense: Barcelona must avoid conceding cheap fouls near the box.
• Counter-pressing: Flick’s team cannot afford to be casual in possession; Alavés punish mistakes.

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs Deportivo Alavés (4-3-3)

Given the rotation expected, here is our predicted XI for Wednesday night. This lineup balances youth, experience, and tactical flexibility while protecting key starters for the remaining fixtures.

Goalkeeper: Marc-André ter Stegen
Defense: Jules Koundé (RB), Pau Cubarsí (CB), Andreas Christensen (CB), Alejandro Balde (LB)
Midfield: Ilkay Gündoğan (CDM), Fermín López (CM), Pablo Torre (CAM)
Attack: Raphinha (RW), Ferran Torres (LW), Vitor Roque (ST)

Let’s break down each selection:

Goalkeeper: Ter Stegen remains the undisputed No. 1. Even with the title secured, Flick will want his captain to organize the backline against a desperate Alavés side. Iñaki Peña may get minutes later in the game if the result is comfortable.

Defense: Koundé is preferred at right-back for his defensive discipline. Alavés’ left winger, Rioja, is dangerous in one-on-ones, so Koundé’s strength is vital. Cubarsí and Christensen form a solid, ball-playing center-back pairing. Balde’s pace on the left will be key to stretching Alavés’ defense on the counter.

Midfield: Gündoğan sits deep as the metronome. Fermín López brings box-to-box energy and a goal threat from deep. Pablo Torre, a creative talent who has seen limited minutes, gets a rare start in the advanced midfield role. This trio lacks the defensive bite of a fully-fit De Jong, but it offers superior technical quality against a team that will sit deep.

Attack: Raphinha starts on the right, tasked with replacing Yamal’s output. Ferran Torres starts on the left, where his movement inside can create space for Balde to overlap. Vitor Roque, the Brazilian teenager, leads the line. He is hungry for goals and has shown flashes of brilliance in limited appearances. This is his chance to prove he can be a long-term successor to Lewandowski.

Key substitutes to watch: Lewandowski, Pedri, and Gavi are likely to come off the bench if the game is tight. De Jong could also feature to regain sharpness.

Expert Prediction: Barcelona to Grind Out a Controlled Victory

Alavés will not be a pushover. They have taken points off top-half teams this season, and the Mendizorrotza is a notoriously difficult venue for away sides. The atmosphere will be hostile, and Barcelona’s rotated lineup may lack the fluidity of their first-choice XI.

However, even a second-string Barcelona side has superior technical quality. The key will be patience. Flick’s team must avoid the temptation to force passes early. If they can control possession and tire out Alavés’ press, the chances will come. Raphinha’s direct running and Vitor Roque’s movement in the box are the most likely sources of a breakthrough.

Defensively, Barcelona must be alert to the long ball and second balls. Alavés will look to isolate their strikers against the center-backs. If Cubarsí and Christensen stay composed, the clean sheet is achievable.

Score Prediction: Deportivo Alavés 0–2 Barcelona

I expect a professional, if not spectacular, performance. Raphinha to score first, and Vitor Roque to add a late second after coming off the bench. The result will extend Barcelona’s winning streak to 12 games and further cement their legacy as champions.

Conclusion: A Chance for Depth to Shine

This match against Deportivo Alavés is the perfect test for Hansi Flick’s squad management. With the title already in the bag, the focus shifts to building momentum for the end of the season and integrating fringe players. The loss of Lamine Yamal is a blow, but it also creates opportunity. Players like Vitor Roque, Pablo Torre, and Fermín López now have a stage to prove their worth.

Barcelona’s domestic dominance has been built on depth as much as star power. Wednesday night will show whether that depth is ready to deliver. If the predicted lineup performs, the Catalans will return from the Basque Country with three more points and a renewed sense of collective strength.

Regardless of the rotation, one thing is certain: this Barcelona side, under Flick’s meticulous guidance, does not take its foot off the gas. The champion’s mentality is alive and well.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.