'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The 2023-24 edition of La Liga returns to the fold with another set of matches this week as Almeria take on Xavi's Barcelona side at the Estadio Mediterraneo on Thursday. Barcelona have blown hot and cold this season and have a point to prove this week.
Almeria are rooted at the bottom of the La Liga standings and have struggled over the past year. The home side slumped to a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Real Betis last week and will need to bounce back in this match.
Barcelona, on the other hand, are in second place in the league table and have been in impressive form this season. The Blaugrana eased past Real Sociedad by a 2-0 scoreline in their previous game and will look to achieve a similar result this week.
Trending
Almeria vs Barcelona Head-to-Head
Barcelona have an excellent recent record against Almeria and have won 14 out of the last 17 matches between the two teams. Almeria have managed only one victory against Barcelona during this period and will look to cut the deficit this week.
Almeria form guide: L-W-L-L-D
Barcelona form guide: W-L-W-L-L
Almeria vs Barcelona Team News
Almeria
Largie Ramazani is currently serving a suspension and will not be available for selection. Aleksandar Radovanovic and Luis Suarez are injured and will not be included in the squad.
Injured: Aleksandar Radovanovic, Luis Suarez
Doubtful: None
Suspended: Largie Ramazani
Barcelona
Ilkay Gundogan is suspended and will not be able to play a part in this fixture. Gavi and Alejandro Balde are recovering from long-term injuries and have been ruled out of this match.
Injured: Gavi, Alejandro Balde, Frenkie de Jong
Doubtful: None
Suspended: Ilkay Gundogan
Almeria vs Barcelona Predicted XI
Almeria Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Maximiano; Pubill, Montes, Chumi, Langa; Edgar, Robertone; Romero, Viera, Embarba; Lozano
Barcelona Predicted XI (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Cancelo; Pedri, Christensen, Fermin; Yamal, Raphinha, Lewandowski
Almeria vs Barcelona Prediction
Barcelona have an impressive squad at their disposal but have not justified their potential this season. Lamine Yamal has been a revelation for the Blaugrana and will look to show his class yet again this week.
Almeria have been in poor form this season and will look to salvage the remainder of their campaign. Barcelona are the better team on paper and should be able to win this game.
Prediction: Almeria 1-4 Barcelona
