Barcelona begin a new era on Saturday when they face Alaves in La Liga.

Ronald Koeman was sacked on Wednesday following a shock 1-0 loss to Rayo Vallecano, which has left Barca ninth in the league, five points behind the Champions League spots.

The Catalans can ill afford to lose further ground on La Liga’s leading clubs and have put Sergi Barjuan in temporary change before Xavi is expected to take the reins of the club in November.

Barca’s league position means that they must be focused on each game and even though there is no permanent coach in place for the upcoming clash, it remains one that they must win.

Sergi is not without his injury problems in this encounter, particularly in the midfield. Key players Pedri and Frenkie de Jong are both missing because of injury in this area.

Elsewhere, Sergi will have to do without Martin Braithwaite, while there are big doubts over Ousmane Dembele and Ansu Fati. Ronald Araujo is not expected to be ready to play in the defence.

Not too much is likely to change for this encounter.

Sergio Aguero may make his second start at the forefront of the attack, flanked by Philippe Coutinho and Memphis Depay.

Sergi Busquets is likely to be the centrepiece in the midfield, with Nico Gonzalez and Gavi playing a role. Riqui Puig will hope that with Koeman gone, he will be given more of a chance, though.

No surprises are expected in the defence, where Jordi Alba and Gerard Pique will be the senior partners. Eric Garcia and Sergino Dest should also continue.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen will keep goal as usual.

Alaves, meanwhile, are sweating on talented goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco but should otherwise have their full panel to play with for this encounter.

Possible Barcelona starting XI v Alaves