5 bold La Liga predictions: Alaves go top of the league (briefly)

VITORIA GASTEIZ, SPAIN - OCTOBER 6: Victor Laguardia of Deportivo Alaves, Jony of Deportivo Alaves, Jonathan Calleri of Deportivo Alaves, Ximo Navarro of Deportivo Alaves, Martin Aguirregabiria of Deportivo Alaves, Mubarak Wakaso of Deportivo Alaves during the La Liga Santander match between Deportivo Alaves v Real Madrid at the Estadio de Mendizorroza on October 6, 2018 in Vitoria Gasteiz Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

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Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (R) attempts a free-kick during the Spanish Super Cup final between Sevilla FC and FC Barcelona at Ibn Batouta Stadium in the Moroccan city of Tangiers on August 12, 2018. (Photo by – / AFP) (Photo credit should read -/AFP/Getty Images) /

3. Barcelona end poor run with win over Sevilla

Sevilla have surprised everyone with their strong run of form to start the season, while Barcelona have failed to live up to expectations due to defensive issues that have caused a four-game winless run.

This match should see a reversal of the current form and a reversion back to the usual result in this fixture. For all their issues, Barca haven’t lost at home this season and have only drawn there twice. Both times they were the much better team even though they played over half the match with 10 men against Girona.

Camp Nou is a fortress. They haven’t lost in the league there for over two years, so Sevilla have a huge task ahead of them if they want to end their run. The 3-5-2 system that Pablo Machin has implemented makes them a potent counter-attacking team when they’re playing expansive sides such as Real Madrid and Barcelona. However, the Catalans are more than experienced at dealing with this type of team and Ernesto Valverde has had two weeks to work out solutions to the defensive woes.

Valverde showed himself to be an astute tactician last season even if it went against the traditional tendencies of the club. His 4-4-2 system brought balance to the side by ensuring they were defensively solid and Lionel Messi used this platform to do the rest attacking-wise as they won a domestic double. His attempt to revert back to the 4-3-3 has brought issues as they are weak when transitioning to their defensive shape, although their counter-pressing hasn’t been as effective which is part of the problem.

Jordi Alba and Nelson Semedo’s recovery ability will be key in nullifying Sevilla’s counter-attacks. The international break has benefitted Barcelona, though, due to key players such as Messi, Alba, Gerard Pique and Luis Suarez being able to rest. This freshness should translate to their attacking play and could prove to be the difference, although a high-scoring affair should be expected.

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