UD ALMERIA vs FC BARCELONA : Preview, Team News and Prediction

FC Barcelona returned to winning ways after a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad last weekend. Xavi's side would be looking to build on their performance and carry that momentum into the last 3 matchdays of what has been a disappointing campaign from their usual standards.

Barcelona were by far the better team against the Basque side and had their intentions clear from the very first whistle. Proper chemistry in the middle of the park and quick transitions in the final third were the highlights from their 2-0 triumph. İlkay Gündoğan played one of his best games in a Barcelona jersey while Lamine Yamal continued to build on his breakthrough season to give Barcelona fans genuine hopes of something exciting and magical for years to come.

Barcelona were handed a big boost by Villareal in their bid to finish second, thereby qualifying for the Spanish Super Cup. Villareal became the second team after Real Madrid to grab all three points from Montilivi and in doing so, ensured that Barcelona can almost ensure their 2nd position by securing a win against lowly Almería.

Almería lie last in the La Liga standings and have already been relegated to the Segunda division after having accumulated only two wins from their 35 matches thus far. Their position doesn't necessarily do justice to their play, for they have often been at the wrong end of late goals and have been left wanting because of the absence of an accomplished striker.

Almería's inability in the final third has been their major concern as the Andalusian club has scored a grand total of 17 goals in their 35 games. However, their previous meeting at the Montjuïc early on in the season was a goal fest. Xavi's side scraped through for a 3-2 victory courtesy a late Sergi Roberto goal after Almería had responded brilliantly after going a goal down in both halves.

Xavi would be weary of their threat despite their numbers and would do well to ensure his team doesn't take anything for granted and works hard to earn them the win and cement their league position. Barcelona's last trip to Estadio Mediterráneo ended in a 1-0 loss and the Catalans would know that any lapse in concentration would not be forgiven by a team who have nothing but pride to play for.

TEAM NEWS

FC BARCELONA

Xavi stated in his pre match press conference that he would make changes in his starting lineup to include players who weren’t given a chance to impress in the previous match day. İlkay Gündoğan has been suspended for this fixture and should be replaced by Fermín López in an attacking role. Ronald Araújo who has seen his name get associated with transfer rumors on a daily basis missed Barça's previous win due to an injury which should keep him out of this game as well.

Raphinha was brilliant in attack all throughout the match vs Sociedad and was rewarded with a stoppage time penalty goal. He could be in for a rare rest day after having been one of the first names on Xavi’s list of late. Lamine Yamal like Raphinha would most likely be given his much deserved rest which could pave way for a make shift attacking three in the form of Félix, Roque and Ferran.

Predicted XI (4-3-3);

Marc-André ter Stegen, Joules Koundé, Inigo Martinez, Pau Cubarsí, João Cancelo, Andres Christensen, Pedri, Fermín López, Ferran Torres, Vitor Roque, João Félix

UD ALMERÍA

Almería played to the skin of their teeth vs Betis and head coach Rubi would be proud of his team's fighting spirit despite losing the game 3-2. Forward Ramazini would serve his 4th successive match ban but the team might get a boost in the form of defender Radovanović who has missed the past month action with injury.

César Montes returns after having served his one match suspension against Betis. He should slot right in central defense to partner former Barca B player and La Masia graduate Chumi. The rest of the team should see no change from the one that was picked for the tie in Seville.

Predicted XI(4-3-3);

Luís Maximiano; Marc Pubill, Chumi, César Montes, Álex Centelles; Lucas Robertone, Luka Romero, Jonathan Viera; Adrián Embarba, Anthony Lozano, Léo Baptistão

PREDICTION

The home side has nothing to lose for and would be counting on their fan support to win a second successive home game against Barcelona. Barcelona on the other hand would be looking to take advantage of Girona’s slip up to consolidate their second place. With both teams making changes to their team sheets, expect an entertaining game with goals written all over.

UD ALMERIA 1-4 FC BARCELONA