Deportivo Alavés arrive at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán on Friday under immense pressure, having failed to secure a victory in their last seven La Liga matches. The Vitoria side’s fragile form was starkly highlighted by a humiliating 6-1 defeat against FC Barcelona, a result that has left them hovering near the relegation zone with only 12 matchdays completed. With no margin for error, the blue-and-whites must rediscover the early-season resilience that defined their start to the campaign to avoid slipping further into the bottom six.
Quique Sánchez Flores faces tactical dilemma as Alavés seek first win in seven
Tactical adjustments are inevitable for manager Quique Sánchez Flores, who is forced to navigate significant defensive gaps due to long-term injuries. Both Mikel Rodríguez and Facundo Garces remain sidelined while recovering from anterior cruciate ligament ruptures, a blow that strips Alavés of crucial depth and experience. Consequently, the specialist press has diverged on the optimal starting XI, with El Correo suggesting a backline anchored by Ángel Pérez, Jonny, and Tenaglia, while the midfield pivot relies on Blanco and Pablo Ibáñez to control the tempo against Sevilla’s high press.
The primary challenge for Alavés extends beyond personnel to their anemic attacking output, which has been a consistent barrier to points accumulation this season. To create breathing space above the drop zone, the team must generate clearer chances and convert opportunities more efficiently than in recent outings. As the fixture list turns to matchday 12, the focus shifts to whether the predicted lineup can provide the structural stability needed to compete with Sevilla, or if the lack of a win will continue to weigh heavily on the squad’s confidence.
Source: Comuniate
