Gerard Pique will play his final game for Barcelona when the Catalan giants take on Almeria at Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday.
Barcelona are currently second in the league table, just one point adrift of league leaders Real Madrid. A win against Almeria at Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday night could send them to the top of the table if the other results go their way.
The home side are coming into this game on the back of three league wins, and they will be confident of getting all three points. Meanwhile, Almeria have been inconsistent, and they will need to improve considerably in order to get a result here.
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Barcelona will be without the services of Ronald Araujo, Sergi Roberto, Memphis Depay and Franck Kessie due to injuries. Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen were doubts for the game, but they have returned to the squad for the Almeria game.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen will start in goal as usual. The Spanish outfit are likely to line up in their usual 4-3-3. Hector Bellerin should come into the lineup in place of the injured Sergi Roberto. In the centre of the defence, the fit-again Christensen is likely to partner Gerard Pique. Alejandro Balde is set to start as the left-back.
Almeria are vulnerable at the back and the likes of Bellerin and Balde should have a lot of joy going forward. Meanwhile, Pique will play his final game for Barcelona on Saturday. And Xavi paid tribute to the veteran defender in his pre-match press conference.
“We will try to get the three points and keep the pressure on Real Madrid. This is also a special match for Pique, to whom we will give all our love.I understand Pique’s decision given the circumstances. I have been through it as well, and I wish him all the best. Barcelona fans also rate him as a legend of the club.”
Sergio Busquets will be the anchor in the midfield, with Gavi and Pedri alongside him. The two youngsters will add creativity and flair in the middle of the park, while Busquets retains possession for his side.
In the final third, Raphinha is likely to get a chance to redeem himself after some poor performances. He is set to start on the right of a front three with Ousmane Dembele on the left. Robert Lewandowski is set to lead the line.
Predicted Barcelona XI: ter Stegen; Bellerin, Christensen, Pique, Balde; Gavi, Busquets, Pedri; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Dembele
