PREVIEW: Alavés v Barça

FC Barcelona head into their final game of the season knowing that the LaLiga title is no longer in play. Alavés also have nothing but pride to play for with results last weekend ensuring that they are safe from relegation.

TEAM NEWS

Quique Setién has selected 16 players for this match: Ter Stegen, N. Semedo, Sergio, Suárez, Messi, Neto, Lenglet, Jordi Alba, Braithwaite, S. Roberto, F. De Jong, Vidal, Riqui Puig, Ansu Fati, A. Araujo and Arnau.

Dembélé, Griezmann and Umtiti are out injured, whilst Piqué, Rakitic and Junior are suspended and Arthur hasn't been selected.

THE OPPOSITION

Juan Ramón López Muñiz was parachuted into the club on July 5 after they decided to dispense with Asier Garitano’s services.

With relegation a possibility and a tough last few games that included fixtures against Real Madrid and Getafe as well as this Sunday’s encounter, Muñiz had his work cut out but has managed to steer the ship to safety thanks to a goalless draw against Getafe and then a battling 2-1 win away at Betis.

Prior to those two results, however, they had failed to score in five of their six previous matches.

Muñiz’s contract is due to end on July 20, just 15 days after his appointment, unless the club see fit to offer him a further deal.

HEAD TO HEAD

The two teams have met each other 13 times in all competitions, dating back to 2006. Of those games, Barcelona have won 12 and Alavés have triumphed on a solitary occasion.

That win came at the Camp Nou in 2016, and since then Juan Muniz’s side have only managed to score two goals in the league against the Blaugranes, conceding 19 in the process.

QUIQUE’S VIEWS

On the Osasuna result: ‘We can’t change what happened but we can improve.’

On the game against Alavés: ‘A really important game we have to win to increase our confidence ... It’s really important to end with better feelings.’

On the Champions League: “We are really focused on the Champions League. If we play like we did at Villarreal where everything went perfect, of course we can win the Champions League. This is the message. Try to improve and be a solid team