<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a rel="attachment wp-att-15097" href="http://www.thehardtackle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/UD_Almeria.png"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-15097" src="http://www.thehardtackle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/UD_Almeria.png" alt="" width="118" height="127" /></a>UD ALMERIA<a rel="attachment wp-att-15098" href="http://www.thehardtackle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/200px-FCB.svg_2.png"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-15098" src="http://www.thehardtackle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/200px-FCB.svg_2.png" alt="" width="119" height="127" /></a></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>v</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>FC BARCELONA</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Estadio del Mediterraneo</em>, Almeria</p> <p style="text-align: center;">21st November 2010, 12:30 AM IST</p> <p style="text-align: center;"></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The defending champions travel south to take on UD Almeria. With a chance to build on their already fabulous away record the champions would take this as a preparation for the imminent <em>El Clásico</em>. After a fantastic win against Villareal, the visitors are in perfect shape for this match. Recent news of the arrival of Dutch midfielder <a href="http://www.thesportreview.com/tsr/2010/11/ibrahim-afellay-barcelona-transfer-bargain/" target="_blank">Ibrahim Afellay</a> may have the <em>Blaugrana </em>supporters in frenzy but the disagreement between the board and marauding fullback <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11833_6511037,00.html" target="_blank">Dani Alves</a> over a new contract might just dampen their spirits. Nonetheless, Pep Guardiola’s men will be wary, not to drop anymore points before the colossal clash against Real Madrid.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"></p> [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="350" caption="Kalu Uche: The Nigerian needs to be on target for the Andalusians"]<img style="border: 0pt none;" src="http://view4.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/8713907/almer-villarreal/almer-villarreal.jpg?size=500&imageId=8713907" border="0" alt="May 04, 2010 - Almeria, Spain - epa02143407 UD Almeria's Nigerian forward Kalu Uche celebrates his scoring during the Spanish league soccer match played against Villarreal at Juegos Mediterranos stadium, in Almeria, southeastern Spain, on 04 May 2010." width="350" height="263" />[/caption] <p style="text-align: justify;"></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Almeria isn’t exactly in the best of forms. After eleven rounds of action, Juan Manuel Lillo’s side lie as low as 18th in the league with just 9 points. A loss against a 9-man Athletic Bilbao last week further demoralized the outfit. Almeria, who have only won once in the Primera Division this season, need to pull up their socks in order to avoid relegation. A defeat against Barcelona might just ring the death knell for Lillo, who took over from former Mexican superstar, Hugo Sanchez in 2008. Well even the darkest of clouds have a silver lining and Almeria can relish the fact that they have had a week of rest when several Barcelona stars were sweating it out for their national teams.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">Team News and Tactical Brief</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>FC Barcelona</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The<em> Catalans</em> go to this match without the services of Eric Abidal, Gabi Milito and Jeffren. Gerard Pique has been struggling with a slight hamstring problem and is doubtful for the match against Almeria. Nonetheless, the Spanish centre back is named in the <a href="http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada10-11/11/19/n101119114111.html" target="_blank">19-man squad</a>. Pique missed last round’s match because of suspension and in this match if the Spaniard plays and receives another warning, he will miss the vital match against Real Madrid. José Manuel Pinto, Thiago Alcántara, Andreu Fontàs and Sergi Gómez, will all face late fitness tests, while Gaby Milito continues his recuperation from a leg injury.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Dani Alves’ apparent disagreement with the board regarding a new contract might just upset the team’s chemistry. However, a fabulous deal is in the horizon with Ibrahim Affelay reported to join the Spanish Champions in the Winter Transfer Window. Pep would be wary of Lillo, his mentor and friend, and his side. The inclusion of Pique in the starting eleven might just be a matter of concern for the <em>Blaugrana</em> boss, as Pique might then stand a chance to miss the <em>Clasico</em>. Barcelona has been ruthless when playing away from home and this match should be no exception. Players from the academy might just get their chance to impress Pep.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Probable Starting Line-up</strong>: Valdes, Alves, Puyol, Pique, Maxwell, Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta, Messi, Pedro, Villa.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"></p> [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="336" caption="Probable starting line-ups"]<img style="border: 0pt none;" src="http://this11.com/boards/1290190128609749.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="336" height="515" />[/caption] <p style="text-align: justify;"></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>UD Almeria</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Besides all their existing problems, the <em>Andalusian</em> camp is plagued with injuries. Hernan Pellerano and Miguel Angel Nieto aren’t there for Almeria. Spanish winger Albert Cruzat too might just miss the imperative game against Barcelona with a hamstring injury. Cameroonian midfielder Modeste M'bami did not train but might just be available for the tie. Their manager too isn’t very hopeful coming into this match. “<em>Against Barcelona, you almost do what they let you do. You cannot play as you want, but rather do whatever you can. The important thing is that we can take advantage of the opportunities that they give us,</em>” said Lillo.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Nigerian striker Kalu Uche, however, will be available for the match and Lillo might just plan to take advantage of a beleaguered <em>Catalan </em>defence. Against Barcelona’s possession football, Almeria will be looking to attack on the counter and the presence of Uche might just add impetus to their attack.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Probable Starting Line-up</strong>: Diego Alves, Michel, Carlos Garcia, Acasiete, Jakobsen, Ortiz, Bernardello, Corona, M’Bami, Kalu Uche, Piatti</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">Key Facts</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">1. Lillo and Pep Guardiola had a stint together at the Mexican club <em>Dorados</em> and both have similar football philosophies.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">2. The Catalans have won their last 5<em> La Liga</em> matches whereas the hosts have drawn 3 and lost 2.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">3. Lionel Messi has scored 44 goals in 44 <em>La Liga</em> games since the start of 2009-10.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">TheHardTackle’s PLAYER TO WATCH OUT FOR</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em>Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona): </em></strong>The diminutive Argentine had a splendid match against Brazil, scoring the only goal of the match and earning his national side a valuable win. Leo now has scored 65 goals in the last 65 matches for Barcelona, an incredible feat to say the least. With only one goal behind Cristiano Ronaldo, in the<em> Pichichi</em> race, the Argentine would love to leapfrog the Portuguese while earning his club all three points.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"></p> [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Lionel Messi: After scoring against Brazil"]<img style="border: 0pt none;" src="http://view1.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/10230910/argentina-lionel-messi/argentina-lionel-messi.jpg?size=500&imageId=10230910" border="0" alt="Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring against Brazil during their international friendly soccer match at Khalifa stadium in Doha November 17, 2010. REUTERS/Fadi Al-Assaad (QATAR - Tags: SPORT SOCCER)" width="300" height="498" />[/caption] <p style="text-align: justify;"></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">TheHardTackle’s PREDICTION</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>UD Almeria 1-3 FC Barcelona</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Almeria would find it extremely difficult to contain Lionel Messi. Even if they manage to do, David Villa, Pedro, Iniesta and Xavi are good enough to find the back of the net. However, a besieged Catalan defence might just give the hosts their lease of life.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"></p>