class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>It has been a tumultuous week for the Catalans and the in-form visitors could add to their mounting problems when they visit on Saturday evening
Interim coach Sergi Barjuan takes charge of Barcelona on Saturday evening as the Catalans host Alaves an attempt to get back on track in La Liga.
Wednesday night’s defeat to Rayo Vallecano cost Ronald Koeman his job, and the Blaugrana this season have been extremely disappointing sitting ninth in the table after 11 rounds of fixtures.
Alaves for their part head to the Camp Nou following back-to-back wins for the first time since May, although they remain clear outsiders for Saturday’s clash.
Barcelona vs Alaves latest odds
Barca’s 2-1 loss in the Clasico to Real Madrid last weekend was their first home league defeat of the season and the hosts are priced at 2/7 (1.28) with bet365 to claim their fifth win of the campaign in their own stadium.
Alaves for their part recorded a famous win at the Camp Nou in 2016 and can be backed at 9/1 (10.00).
Barcelona vs Alaves first goal scorer
Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero are both offered at 10/3 (4.33) to open the scoring on Saturday evening while Philippe Coutinho can be backed at 5/1 (6.00) and Gerard Pique at 22/1 (23.00).
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For the visitors, top scorer Joselu is available at 10/1 (11.00) to break the deadlock.
Barcelona vs Alaves preview
It is difficult to predict the effect that Ronald Koeman’s sacking will have on the Barcelona players, who looked at their lowest ebb following Wednesday night’s defeat.
Defined by their attacking, attractive style of football of the last decade and a half, Barca are struggling this season to create chances and in their loss to Rayo in midweek they managed just one shot on target.
Indeed, six teams are averaging more shots per game than the Catalans this term which goes a small way to explaining how Barca have failed to score in three of their 10 league matches.
At home however they have netted in all of their league games, and Alaves have also been conceding plenty of shots this season, so Barca should have too much for their opponents although it could be a tighter game than expected.
Barcelona vs Alaves tips and predictions
Alaves to win with a +1.75 Asian handicap is priced at 3/4 (1.75) and pays out in full if Alaves win, draw or lose by a single goal margin, with half the initial stake refunded if they lose by two goals.
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Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.