The last time this fixture took place in Camp Nou was a little over a year ago. The result was 5-0 in which an unstoppable Barca had well and truly come into their best form. A form that would eventuate into a treble winning phenomenon.

This time round we’re seeing much of the same build up. As Barcelona have once again exploded forth to the top of the table as they venture to duplicate the radiant football that won them the League, the Copa and the Champions League last season.

Almeria have started off in less than satisfactory form. Despite collecting a hard fought win against well defensively-strung Getafe, They have since deteriorated and are forever fading into the background.

However despite not being given a second thought from the media in regards to their chances in the game, widely respected former player and now manager of Almeria Hugo Sanchez has stated that his side has been warily surveilling the Blaugrana and their game play.

The former Real Madrid star has been quoted by Spanish sports tabloid AS as saying: “We (Almeria) have been working all week for this, and it will be important to make a good team effort and stay focused for the whole 90 minutes. They have a lot of talent, but while we will look for flaws in their game, they will be difficult to find.”

Sanchez also went on to make an indication towards the performance that Espanyol thrust upon Barcelona in their emphatic win at the Camp Nou last season.

Team News

Striker Thierry Henry will sit out for the second week in a row after pulling a muscle against Malaga.
Bojan Krkic has been named in the squad and is fit after being out of action for a little over a month, however Guardiola has a history of easing players into the starting line-up when returning from injury. Chygrynskiy is yet to recover from straining ligaments in his knee whilst Almeria are set to field an un-changed side from the one that faced Racing last week.

Predicted Starting XI, Barcelona: Valdes – Alves – Puyol – Marquez – Maxwell – Xavi – Toure – Busquets – Messi – Ibrahimovic – Iniesta

Predicted Starting XI, Almeria: Diego Alves – Michel – Acasiete – Chico – Guilherme – Bernardello – Soriano – Nieto – Piatti – Crusat – Uche

Key Players

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Once again it’s the in-form Swede that’s in the limelight. Scoring tonight will break a club record and will see him go to 6 goals from 6 games. The Barcelona attack should run rampant against Almeria and expect to see ‘Ibracadabra’ (who incidentally celebrates his 28th birthday today) leave Brazilian Diego Alves blushing on more than one occasion.

Kalu Uche

The illustrious Nigerian will need to be in the form of his career if Almeria are to have any chance against the La Liga leaders. All you need against the giants in football is one chance and it could see you through for the entire 90 minutes. If Uche and co. up front get one, it’s take it or bust.

Prediction
Despite the glimmer of hope that Almeria are clinging onto Barcelona’s form is faultless of late. Their frontline is capable of scoring an abundance of goals against the top sides in the world. Almeria really aren’t up to the job and if they decide to be bold and attack Barcelona, then they will fall victim to the merciless wrath, that is the FC Barcelona attack.

Barcelona 5 – 0 Almeria.

Leo10