Prediction
Barcelona fell to a three-nil defeat at the Anoeta last weekend and, as with any Barca defeat, it sparked a major reaction in the press. Barca have been painted as a club in crisis this week with Catalan sports daily Sport compiling a list of managers who could replace the under-fire Tata Martino. Yet, despite the typical hysteria, Barca did just beat Manchester City away in the Champions League and at home they remain an extremely formidable side, which means a win here is the likely outcome.Tata Martino was castigated for not playing Xavi in the defeat to La Real. The player himself expressed his discontent in not having been chosen, too. It therefore comes as no surprise that he will start this game, as Tata opts to revert to a more familiar-looking starting eleven.Neymar was criticised for his performance last weekend in the Basque country while Lionel Messi continues to draw criticism for his performances which many feel are not quite at the standard we are accustomed to seeing. Tata Martino will have to work on getting his two biggest stars gelling in the final third. They will be better supported with a more familiar midfield three running the show from the middle.Almeria have surprised many with how they have escaped the jaws of relegation. They are not safe yet however. They recently overcame Atletico Madrid at home and while they have only picked up a point in their last two, they have been showing the kind of fighting spirit that might just see them retain their top-flight status.
Prediction:
3
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