Just three days after crashing out to Manchester United in the Europa League, Barcelona return to action with a La Liga trip to Almeria.

Xavi’s side had the advantage over United after Robert Lewandowski converted a first half penalty at Old Trafford, but goals from Fred and Antony turned the tie on its head to send Barça crashing out of the competition 4-3 on aggregate.

Things are looking rosier in La Liga though, with a commanding eight-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of the table rich reward for a fine run of domestic form. Things could get even better against an Almeria side yet to register a top-flight win over Barça…

Here’s 90min’s preview of the game.

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Almeria vs Barcelona H2H Results (Last Five Games)

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Current Form (Last Five La Liga Games)

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Almeria team news

Alejandro Pozo is the home side’s only injury concern but changes are likely to be made after last week’s embarrassing defeat to Girona.

El Bilal Toure, Largie Ramazani, Arnau Puigmal and Juan Brandariz are among the players who could come into the side as Almeria bid to maintain their decent home record – they’ve picked up 19 points from a possible 33 on their own turf.

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Almeria predicted lineup (4-3-3): Martinez, Mendes, Chumi, Ely, Akieme; Robertone, De la Hoz, Samu; Ramazani, Suarez, Toure

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Barcelona team news

Barcelona will again be without teenage prodigy Pedri because of injury, but Gavi should be immediately restored to Xavi’s starting lineup after his midweek suspension.

Ronald Araujo is expected to be fit despite picking up a knock in midweek, potentially retaining his place in central defence alongside Andreas Christensen. Marcos Alonso could come in for Alejandro Balde at full-back, yet there will be no place in the squad for the injured Ousmane Dembele.

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Barcelona predicted lineup (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Alba; Busquets, De Jong, Kessie; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Gavi

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„We understand the anger of the fans,“ was the message of Almeria’s Sergio Akieme following the crushing 6-2 defeat to Girona last time out. That humbling was less than ideal preparation for any fixture, let alone one against the runaway league leaders who will be charged up after their midweek failings in the Europa League.

Barcelona will expect to have complete control over proceedings, despite Almeria’s decent home record this season, and it’s difficult to see anything other than a comfortable away win.

Prediction: Almeria 0-2 Barcelona