"Meanwhile, Alejandro Balde, who has fallen behind Joao Cancelo in the pecking order, could get a rare starting opportunity at left-back. Captain Ronald Araujo ought to come in as one of the centre-backs, pairing up with Eric Garcia. Midfield Frenkie de Jong could finally make his return to the starting XI, having had to bide his time since returning from his injury. The Dutch international ought to take one of the two pivot positions on the field for the Blaugrana, where he will be partnered with midfield maestro Pedri."
Barcelona, newly crowned La Liga champions, play relegation-battling Deportivo Alaves away at Mendizorrotza Stadium. After clinching the title by beating Real Madrid 2-0, the team targets reaching 100 points by winning their final three league matches. Barcelona enter without fresh injury concerns, with Lamine Yamal and Andreas Christensen expected to be the only absentees. Raphinha misses the match due to suspension from accumulated yellow cards. Rotation is expected, with Joan Garcia likely continuing in goal and Jules Kounde returning at right-back. Alejandro Balde could start at left-back, while Ronald Araujo and Eric Garcia are expected to pair in central defense. Frenkie de Jong is expected to return to the starting XI alongside Pedri in midfield.
Read at Barca Universal
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