Barcelona talking points as Luis Suarez looks to arrest slump at Alaves

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  • A Barcelona title parade may well be in the works already with second-placed Atletico Madrid a safe distance away but there are still points to play for, three of which will be on offer at Alaves on Wednesday.

    Abelado Fernandez’s side have the unenviable task of welcoming the La Liga champions in waiting, bidding to delay their coronation.

    The Catalans however are chasing a historic third treble and will want to sew up the domestic league sooner rather than later.

    LENGLET PROVING HIS WORTH

    As far as Barcelona’s personnel issues go, there’s none more concerning than the steady decline of Samuel Umtiti. Having arrived from Lyon in the summer of 2016, the Frenchman was expected to be a pillar in defence for years to come and initially showed signs of fulfilling his role as such.

    His form during the first half of last season in particular, as a more stable Barca side coped with the departure of Neymar, suggested that he was the centre-back extraordinaire the Catalans had yearned for to partner Gerard Pique. Instead, recurring injuries have taken their toll and even when fit now, Umtiti is struggling to get back to his best.

    Fortunately, Clement Lenglet’s arrival in the summer has been a blessing. Not only has the former Sevilla defender slotted in alongside Pique effortlessly, but has even out-performed his central defensive partner.

    The 23-year-old rarely succumbs to mistakes – something Pique seems to be growing prone to – and on current form should be the number one centre-back at the club. His goal against Real Sociedad over the weekend only highlighted his contribution this term.

    STUTTERING SUAREZ

    Luis Suarez has scored 20 goals in 31 games across all competitions this season. At first glance, that record doesn’t seem half-bad but given his pedigree and the fact that he’s Barcelona’s number nine, he really should be delivering more.

    The Uruguayan has endured some notable droughts earlier this campaign. He scored in just one game in November not long after a six-game goalless run.

    Given his tenacious style of play with much of his best work traditionally coming from relentlessly running the channels and quick bursts of acceleration, it’s only natural that he would begin to slow down at the age of 32.

    It doesn’t help either that Kevin-Prince Boateng, signed in January as his deputy, has so far proved to be a dud. Suarez hasn’t scored in his last three games and a poor display against Sociedad which yielded just one attempt at goal reeks of another potential drought around the corner.

    With a Champions League date set with former employers Liverpool, the striker can’t afford to play himself into a rut. That’s why it’s important he nets before then and Alaves serves up his first opportunity to arrest what could develop into a slump.

    Luis Suarez.

    Luis Suarez.

    CONTRASTING FORM

    It’s no secret that Barcelona are eager to wrap up the title as soon as possible and on current form, Wednesday should take them a step closer to achieving their target.

    Alaves welcome Barcelona to the Mendizorrotza Stadium having failed to win a single game in the last month with their most recent triumph coming in mid March away to rock-bottom side Huesca. Having impressed for much of the season, their recent dip in form has dealt a blow to their European credentials though they remain eighth, six points from a Europa League spot.

    Barcelona on the other hand haven’t tasted defeat in the league since ending up on the wrong end of a 4-3 thriller at home to Real Betis in November.

    The victory over Real Sociedad on Saturday has left the Catalans requiring just two more wins – assuming Atletico Madrid don’t slip up. Given the incentive to then focus on the Champions League where they face Liverpool in the semi-finals, there should be no shortage of motivation to get over the finish line sooner rather than later.

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