Almeria vs Barcelona Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Spanish Primera
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
When is Almeria vs Barcelona on and what time does it start? Almeria vs Barcelona will take place on Thursday 16th May, 2024 – 20:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Almeria vs Barcelona? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Almeria vs Barcelona on in the UK? Almeria vs Barcelona will be televised live on LaLigaTV, but La Liga matches are also televised occasionally on Viaplay Sports and ITV
Where can I stream Almeria vs Barcelona in the UK? Almeria vs Barcelona can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
ALMERIA
It has been an absolutely miserable campaign for Almeria this season as they sit rock-bottom in La Liga after 35 matches. The Andalusians have managed just two victories all season, despite their performances throughout the campaign often being much better than their results. They are once again showing some fight and quality, though.
They come into this one on the back of a regional derby defeat to Real Betis at the weekend in which they went 2-0 down but fought back to level up in the second-half before Ayoze Perez stole all three points for Betis. That loss followed a shock 1-0 win in the capital city at Vallecas away to Rayo Vallecano.
BARCELONA
In January, enduring a period of really underwhelming form, Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez decided to announce his departure for the end of the season in the aftermath of a 5-3 loss to Villarreal at home. That was followed by a major up turn in performances and results and then, a few weeks ago, Xavi confirmed he had reversed his decision and would remain in charge.
They now have their destiny of being runners’ up firmly in their own hands after Girona’s 2-2 draw against Alaves was backed up by a comfortable defeat of Real Sociedad at Catalonia on Monday evening. In that game, in which Barca started slowly, they eventually got the victory via Lamine Yamal and then a penalty from Raphinha.
THE TEAM NEWS
ALMERIA
Both Gonzalo Melero and Largie Ramazani are missing through suspension for Almeria this weekend, whilst midfielder Iddrisu Baba is also an injury doubt.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Maximiano; Pubill, Chumi, Edgar, Centelles; Robertone, Pena, Viera; Baptistao, Lozano, Embarba
UNAVAILABLE: Melero (Suspended), Ramazani (Suspended)
QUESTIONABLE: Baba (Injured), Radovanovic (Injured)
BARCELONA
There are a couple of midfield issues for Xavi and Barcelona this weekend as Ilkay Gundogan is missing through suspension and Frenkie de Jong is out injured.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Joao Cancelo; Gundogan, Christensen, Lopez; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha
UNAVAILABLE: De Jong (Injured), Gundogan (Suspended), Balde (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
Almeria have shown real fight at times this season, despite the fact their actual record is among the very worst in the history of the Spanish top-flight. Even in the reverse fixture between these two just before Christmas, Barcelona needed to win it by three goals to two in dramatic fashion. Almeria will not necessarily go on the front foot against Barca but will take the game to them at times and, albeit Barca are favourites, a high-scoring and entertaining clash would appear quite likely.
TIP: BARCELONA TO WIN & BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
