After the setbacks in Europe and the Clasico: a new face in Barcelona's expected line-up against Alaves
The Blaugrana look to regain their balance
Spanish newspaper "Marca" have revealed Barcelona's expected line-up for today's clash with Deportivo Alavés at the Spotify Camp Nou in the 11th round of the Spanish league. Bryan Fariñas features in the back line, a sign of the defensive crisis gripping the Catalan side.
The youngster has yet to feature for the first team, despite Hansi Flick's belief in his abilities on the training ground and his refusal to let him join Girona last summer.
Flick has previously praised Fariñas's intelligence and his versatility across several positions. At yesterday's press conference, the German confirmed the defender deserves his chance.
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The predictions land in the middle of a severe defensive crisis. Jules Koundé is out with an ankle injury, alongside Andreas Christensen, Eric García and Xavi Espart.
Newspaper "AS" confirmed that Flick recovered none of his injured players before the Alavés clash, while "Mundo Deportivo" reported that the coach had already trialled Fariñas at right-back in training, with João Cancelo on the left.
"Marca" expect Flick to name the following line-up: Joan García, Bryan Fariñas, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, João Cancelo, Rodri, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, Anthony Gordon and Raphinha.
Barcelona sit top of the Spanish league on 27 points. Alavés lie seventh with 12.
The Catalan side are desperate to bounce back from their last two defeats: a 4-2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and a 2-1 reverse against Real Madrid in the Liga.
