Barcelona vs Almeria predictions and match preview for Saturday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for analysis, team news and predicted lineups ahead of what will be Gerard Pique’s final game at Camp Nou.
| Date | Saturday 5th November 2022 |
| Kick-Off | 21:00 (local time) |
| Stadium | Camp Nou |
| Competition | LaLiga |
Barcelona vs Almeria Preview
On Saturday night Barcelona host Almería in the Camp Nou. There are always goals when these sides meet so we should be in for an exciting match and we should expect goals.
Barcelona ended their disappointing Champions League run on Tuesday night beating Czech side Viktoria Plzeň 4-2 in an entertaining match. Ferran Torres got two of the goals which will boost his confidence which he has been lacking for some time now. New signings Marcus Alonso and Pablo Torre were also on the scoresheet.
Head Coach Xavi Hernández did say in his post-match interview that the objective now was to win the Europa League. With that not starting until next year, all eyes will now be on the league and making sure they are above or close to Real Madrid in the table before the World Cup starts in two weeks’ time. With Girona taking a point against Real at the weekend and with Robert Lewandowski scoring a last minute winner against Valencia last weekend Barça are only one point behind their rivals.
There was an announcement on Thursday that Gerard Pique is retiring and that this would ultimately be his last home game for the Catalans. He has been a great player over the years but with off the field issues going on, he has decided to call it a day. Going into this game Xavi will be very confident his side can get the job done and will be hoping to have another clean sheet.
Almería are coming into this game after an impressive 3-1 win against Celta Vigo. Gabri Veiga opened the scoring with a wonderful strike to put the visitors ahead but within six minutes he saw red for stepping on midfielder Lucas Robertone. It didn’t look intentional but VAR deemed it a sending off. From then on it was all Almería as Brazilian defender Lazaro equalised shortly followed by a goal from midfielder César de la Hoz and late on in injury time Íñigo Eguaras got the third for La Unión.
That is three wins in their last five games whilst scoring eleven goals. Head Coach Rubi will be very happy with his side’s performances but one thing that his side need to work on is on the road. They are yet to pick up a win away from home this season, drawing once and losing five. Getting anything at the Camp Nou would be a bonus but his side won’t shy away from going for it. They will have to be at their very best though to get something here.
Team News & Possible Lineups
Barcelona
| INJURED | Araujo, Depay, Sergi Roberto, Kounde, Kessie |
| DOUBTFUL | |
| BANNED |
Possible XI: Ter Stegen – Balde, Garcia, Pique, Bellerin – Pedri, Busquets, Gavi – Raphinha, Lewandowski, Dembele (4-3-3)
Coach: Xavi
Almeria
| INJURED | Nieto |
| DOUBTFUL | Martos |
| BANNED |
Possible XI: Fernando – Ely, Babic, Kaiky – Akieme, De La Hoz, Robertone, Mendes – Melero – Toure, Baptistao (3-4-1-2)
Coach: Rubi
Score Prediction: Barcelona 4-1 Almeria
Barcelona are clear favourites to win this one and rightfully so. Xavi’s side have been great at home this season and although Almería will give it a go, Barcelona should have too much for the Andalusians. A comfortable home win is expected here.
PLEASE NOTE – Our LaLiga predictions are not betting tips! No profits are guaranteed if you’re using them to bet on Spanish football. If you are gambling, do so responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose. BeGambleAware.
