Almeria vs. Barcelona: Key Issues and Decisions That Will Shape La Liga Game
Barcelona couldn't have wished for more accommodating opponents than Almeria for their next La Liga fixture.
In the last 12 fixtures between the sides, the Catalans have won 10 and the other two have been drawn.
Per Fussball Wettpoint, six goals scored by the hosts and 39 conceded in those dozen games tells it's own story.
Let's take a look at some key issues that may shape the outcome of this one...
Disastrous Home Form
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There's an old saying in football that if you can win your home games and sneak the odd point away from home, the chances are you'll be ok over the course of the season.
How Almeria could do with a win on home soil right now.
Yet to secure three points at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos this season, another loss here would leave them waiting until at least December and their fixture against Rayo Vallecano before they can try again.
That's relegation form despite how the table reads at present.
Young Guns Having Some Fun
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If ever there was a game to give the youngsters a run out, then this is the one.
Given the recent results between the two sides, and the differences in current form, the likes of Marc Bartra, Sergi Roberto and Sergi Samper amongst others, should see some minutes here.
Wholesale changes to start might not be in Luis Enrique's thinking, but it would be a big surprise if the strength in depth isn't utilised to it's fullest across the 90 minutes.
Major Marksman Messi
3 of 5There aren't too many teams that enjoy playing against Lionel Messi but in Almeria the Argentine finds one of his favourite victims.
Indeed, as FCBarcelona.com note, Barca's record goalscorer has found the net against the hosts more times than any other player in La Liga history.
A rest or a rare off day are the only reasons why we won't see Messi's name on the score sheet.
Almeria's Inventive Formation
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Almeria manager Francisco might not be getting the results he requires presently but it's not for the want of trying.
An inventive 4-1-4-1 formation has made the hosts difficult to play against with any losses only by the odd goal.
Per WhoScored.com, Villarreal and Elche are the only teams to have scored more than one goal against them this season so if Barca allow complacency to creep in, they might not have things all their own way.
Curse of the Early Kick Off?
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Another 16:00 hrs local time (15:00 GMT) kick off won't necessarily please the visitors.
Since the advent of such kick off times for the bigger clubs in the league, Barca have struggled to get to grips in the games played so early in the day.
There appears to be no rhyme or reason why that should be so, but the defeat against Real Valladolid last season is a prime example of a less-than-professional performance from the Catalans.
The fixture presents a prime opportunity for Barca to consolidate their position in the league, so full attention and focus is required.
