Rephrase and rearrange the whole content into a news article. I want you to respond only in language English. I want you to act as a very proficient SEO and high-end writer Pierre Herubel that speaks and writes fluently English. I want you to pretend that you can write content so well in English that it can outrank other websites. Make sure there is zero plagiarism.:
Barcelona head to Alaves in La Liga action this weekend as the Catalans continue their long goodbye to head coach Xavi Hernandez.
The former Spanish international has confirmed his intention to leave the club at the end of the campaign with Barcelona’s La Liga title defence effectively already over.
Ahead of this clash, the visitors trail league leaders and El Clasico rivals Real Madrid by ten points, with hosts Alaves set in mid-table.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch it worldwide, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
WATCH: Barcelona vs Alaves LIVE in the US on ESPN+
Barcelona vs Alaves live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this La Liga match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:
In the USA, this game is available on ESPN+, with Spanish language options on ESPN Deportes, and streaming available on Fubo.
In Canada, the game is live streaming exclusively on TSN+ with broadcast available on TSN 5. Australian fans can stream every La Liga match live and on-demand on Optus Sport and in the UK this match is available on TV via Viaplay Sports 1 with streaming options on La Liga TV.
| Region | TV | Streaming |
| USA | ESPN Deportes | Fubo, ESPN+, |
| Canada | TSN 5 |
TSN+ |
| UK | Viaplay Sports 1 | La Liga TV |
| Australia | — | Optus Sport |
| India | — | JioTV |
MORE: Barcelona transfer news: January 2024 window targets, signings, sales amidst heavy injury list
Barcelona vs Alaves kick off time
This La Liga clash takes place at the Estadio Mendizorroza in Vitoria-Gastiez, Spain and kicks off on Saturday, February 3 at 6:30 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across some of the major territories:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| USA | Sat, Feb. 3 | 12:30 p.m. ET |
| Canada | Sat, Feb. 3 | 12:30 p.m. ET |
| UK | Sat, Feb. 3 | 5:30 p.m. GMT |
| Australia | Sun, Feb. 4 | 4:30 a.m. AEDT |
| India | Sat, Feb. 3 | 11:00 p.m. IST |
Barcelona vs Alaves lineups, team news
Barcelona’s injury issues remain unchanged with left back Alejandro Balde ruled out for the season following surgery. Club captain Sergi Roberto is absent alongside Raphinha, Gavi and Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.
Portugal star Joao Felix has joined the list of injured players due to an ankle problem, but Brazilian teenager Vitor Roque could make his first start, after scoring his debut club goal in the midweek home win against Osasuna.
Barcelona (4-3-3, right to left): Pena (GK) — Kounde, Christensen, Araujo, Cancelo — de Jong, Gundogan, Pedri — Vitor Roque, Lewandowski, Torres.
Barcelona subs (9): TBC
Alaves head coach Luis Garcia is without Andoni Gorosabel due to a one-game suspension with Victor Parada set to come in as a replacement.
Alaves (4-2-3-1 right to left): Sivera (GK) — Parada, Marin, Duarte, Lopez — Blanco, Guevara — Vicente, Guridi, Rioja — Omorodion.
Alaves subs (9): TBC
Barcelona vs Alaves prediction
The final months of the campaign will be dominated by the debate over who will replace Xavi at Barcelona but there is still work to do on the pitch to seal a Champions League qualification spot.
Alaves have won three in a row in La Liga, and they have proven to be a tough test for Barcelona in recent years, with Xavi’s team needing a late Frenkie de Jong goal to secure a 1-0 win in the Basque Country last season.
Prediction: Alaves 0-1 Barcelona
I have over 10 years of experience in the cryptocurrency industry and I have been on the list of the top authors on LinkedIn for the past 5 years. I have a wealth of knowledge to share with my readers, and my goal is to help them navigate the ever-changing world of cryptocurrencies.
