Alaves vs Barcelona prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2024-02-02 17:30.
The last time Alavés defeated Barcelona was in September 2016 (D2, L11 since), but based on recent form, there is hope that they could end that long wait. The hosts here have won four of their last five competitive games (L1), which gives wings to thoughts of making it a fourth consecutive top-flight win for the first time in the club’s history.
That recent resurgence means that Luis García’s side sit a comfortable ten points above the relegation zone, and despite Estadio Mendizorrotza not having been a fortress lately (W4, D1, L4), Alavés enjoyed an inspirational victory over Real Betis at their beloved ground in early January, while keeping Real Madrid at bay until a stoppage-time goal denied them a point just before the turn of the year. This could be another tight affair, as the last four results at this venue have all been 1-0.
That was also the winning score for Barcelona against Osasuna on Wednesday as Vitor Roque rescued the Catalans in their first match since manager Xavi announced his decision to leave at the end of this season. It was a much-needed triumph, halting a two-game losing sequence to move them five points ahead of Athletic Bilbao in the top-four race, while they remain on the coattails of third-placed Atlético Madrid.
Barça will not mind a repeat of the 1-0 victory they earned when they last visited Alavés in January 2022, but the reigning champions need to improve on their recent defensive performances away from home. The Blaugrana have only kept two top-flight clean sheets on the road this campaign, although their ability to grind out results on their travels in the league has kept them unbeaten in such encounters (W5, D5).
Players to watch: Samu Omorodion scored a brace for Alavés in his last match and netted after just 18 seconds in the reverse fixture, which was the fastest goal conceded by Barcelona in a home league game this century. With a mounting injury list, Barcelona’s hopes here could rest on İlkay Gündoğan, whose last away goal was a match-winning penalty.
Hot stat: Going back to the reverse H2H in November, Alavés have seen a penalty converted in seven of their last ten league outings.