As the Barcelona dressing room is coping with its exit from European competition for the second time this year, they have to face Almeria. On paper, Almeria won’t be a significant threat. But it will be a tough fight with such low morale as Barca’s.
After the disappointment at Old Trafford in the round of 32, questions are constantly being raised about the ability of Xavi Hernandez. But they are solid as a rock in the league. Barca got some breathing room as Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid drew their match with a scoreline of 1-1.
If Blaugrana manages to win this clash, they will have a 10-point lead with 15 matches to play.
Almeria has a three-match losing streak but Barca will have to give their best to win in the Power Horse Stadium. Playing a high defensive line, Almeria plays physical football. Almeria scores a good number of goals in counter-attacks and in the past Barca has struggled to stop counters. Though Barca has been a wall in their defense as they considered just 7 goals in the whole league campaign.
Xavi will have to make some changes to the team as there will be some fitness issues. And as they will have a hectic March schedule, they must rest some of the big names.
Gavi will return to the squad to bring fresh air, and Pedri and Dembele will be absent because of their injuries. Fati will also be uncertain. So Raphinia, Robert Lewandowski, and Ferran Torres are expected to start the game.
This game should work as a confidence booster but Almeria will give a fight as it will give them a chance to survive the relegation battle. They are currently in the 19th spot with 22 points.
Xavi and the players promised to work on the failure and bring good results for the fans. They will look to solidify their lead in the league before the approaching Clasico and the big games.
Xavi commented on the league positions, “When you win the league with a big club like Barcelona, it is a good season. We are now counting on ourselves and we have important matches. If we win the double, it will be a great season.”
For the full interview- https://barcatvplus.fcbarcelona.com/en/videos/3081886/xavi-hernandez-full-press-conference-preview-almeria-fc-barcelona
My prediction is a 3-1 win for Barcelona.
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