Two Changes For Must Win

FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick will make two key changes for a La Liga match that has become must win for the Catalans against Deportivo Alaves on Sunday afternoon.

Speaking at a prematch press conference on Saturday, Flick pointed out that “every week is a final” because of Barca squandering a six-point lead at the Spanish top flight summit yet now trailing Real Madrid by seven thanks to a string of bad results to finish 2024.

“This is the situation we have, we have lost a lot of points. We hope to win several games in a row, we have to string together victories to put pressure on Madrid. Seven points, it’s not easy, but we’ll keep fighting,” Flick vowed.

“In addition to the Clasico in Montjuic in May there are several opportunities, but the most important thing is not to fail. Every week is a final, there is no margin for error. It may sound too epic, but it’s the reality. It’s our fault,” he added.

Flick of course made these comments before crosstown rival Espanyol did Barca a solid by beating Real Madrid 1-0 in Cornella on Saturday night.

This means that if Barca sees off 18th placed Alaves, it can reduce the advantage Los Blancos have over it to just four points ahead of the Madrid derby next weekend where they could again drop points as could second-placed Atleti.

During the same sitdown with the media, Flick confirmed that Wojciech Szczesny will be his goalkeeper against Alaves picked ahead of Inaki Pena, who is struggling to make his way back into the first XI.

Replacing Eric Garcia, though, Ronald Araujo returns to the fold to partner Pau Cubarsi in central defense as Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde are the left and right backs respectively.

In midfield, there is a slight tactical change in that Marc Casado is the lone pivot not partnered by Pedri in a more retreated position.

Instead, Pedri forms a more attacking center-of-the-park duo with his fellow Spain international who likewise signed a new contract until 2030 this week.

On the front line, Lamine Yamal – who is believed to be next in line for a bumper fresh deal when turning 18 in July – is the right winger with Raphinha on the other side of central number 9 Robert Lewandowski.

FC Barcelona Versus Deportivo Alaves Starting XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Casado, Pedri, Gavi; Lamine, Lewandowski, Raphinha