Betting Tips: Barcelona vs Alaves

The champions are clear favourites to get off to a winning start but we think it might be a low scoring game at the Camp Nou on Saturday night

Barcelona kick off the defence of their La Liga title against a side who have caused them plenty of problems at the Camp Nou over the last two seasons.

Back in September 2016, Alaves claimed a shock 2-1 win in Barcelona - which remarkably remains the Blaugrana's last home league defeat - whilst Barca scored two late goals last season in this fixture to win by a 2-1 scoreline.

Last season the Blaugrana won 16 and drew three of their 19 home matches on their way to the league title and dabblebet price them at 1/9 (1.11) to get the new campaign off to a winning start.

Alaves can be backed at 28/1 (29.00) with the draw offered at 17/2 (9.50).

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Dennis Suarez is likely to be sidelined for the defending champions after picking up an injury on the North American tour, but other than that Valverde has a practically a fully-fit squad to chose from.

Alaves, meanwhile, should have wideman Ibai Gomez available after his injury suffered in pre-season last week turned out not to be as bad as previously feared.

Last season Alaves were one of ten sides that scored in a La Liga at the Camp Nou, and at home Barca had neither the best defensive record nor the best scoring record despite winning the title comfortably.

The Catalans had a habit of grinding out results when needed, though, and Alaves will be weakened by the loss of top scorer last season Munir El Haddadi who returned to Barcelona after a season long loan which brought ten league goals.

Barca also failed to score in the first half of both games against Alaves last term, and with this being the opening game of the season, they could take a while to get into their stride against a side that has shown they know how to defend at the Camp Nou.

Under 1.5 goals in the first half appeals at 4/5 (1.80), while under 3.5 goals in the match is priced at 17/20 (1.85).

Both of these selections paid out in both meetings between these sides last season and are worth consideration once more.