How Barcelona could line up against Alaves

Barcelona will be looking to ensure that they end 2019 top of La Liga when they welcome Alaves to Camp Nou on Saturday afternoon.

Wednesday night's goalless draw with Real Madrid kept Ernesto Valverde's side top of the pile on goal difference heading into the clash with Alaves.

A victory on Saturday should be enough to see the reigning champions enter the winter break in Spain at the summit, although Real Madrid could claim first with a big win over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday night.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how the Catalan giants could line up when they take to the field for their final match of the year.

Out: Ousmane Dembele (hamstring) Doubtful: Arthur (adductor)

> Click here for Barcelona's latest injury and suspension news ahead of this match

Barca's first-team squad is in relatively good shape at the moment with Ousmane Dembele their only confirmed absentee for the clash with Alaves. It seems unlikely that Arthur will be risked as the midfielder battles an adductor issue, but Valverde otherwise has a strong squad to choose from.

Sergio Busquets was pulled out of the starting XI against Real Madrid despite being named in the initial selection, with the midfielder dropping to the bench and ultimately not being used in El Clasico.

It seems likely that the Spaniard will return on Saturday, though, and he could replace Nelson Semedo with Sergi Roberto dropping from the middle of the park to right-back.

Semedo played for 55 minutes against Zinedine Zidane's side as he looks to recover from a long layoff, and Valverde might take the opportunity to name the Portugal international on the bench.

Antoine Griezmann, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi are likely to continue as the front three, although Ansu Fati impressed during his cameo in El Clasico and could yet be included in the XI.