While Barcelona have begun the league season undefeated, promoted side Almeria have failed to win a match yet despite coming close on a few occasions.
Almeria vs. Barcelona: Preview and TV schedule
Barcelona are chasing their 12th straight league victory as they travel down the Mediterranean coast for a match against struggling Almeria.
More from our team blogs: FC Barcelona blog Barca Blaugranes
Gerardo Martino will have some decisions to make in his defense with both Jordi Alba and Javier Mascherano unavailable due to injury. Captain Carles Puyol could make his debut if his knee is ready but more likely Marc Bartra will start along side Gerard Piqué in the central defense. Cesc Fabregas is also expected back after getting rested during the mid-week, with Neymar the likely choice to get a breather this time out.
Both teams have been busy of late and this will be the third game in the last nine days for each club.
Almeria injuries and suspensions
Out: None
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Jordi Alba (thigh), Javier Mascherano (thigh), Isaac Cuenca (knee), Ibrahim Afellay (knee) In Doubt: Carles Puyol (knee)
Javier Mascherano is sidelined after Sergio Busquets' accidentally stuck his cleats into the Argentinian's thigh in Barca's win over Real Sociedad. He joins defender Jordi Alba on the sidelines. Carles Puyol could make a return but we've been saying that for a couple weeks, so who knows when that will happen.
Projected lineups
Almeria: Esteban, Hernán Pellerano, Ángel Trujillo, Christian Fernandez, Marocs Tébar, Verza, Suso, Fernando Soriano, Aleix Vidal, Rodri.
Barcelona: Victor Valdés, Dani Alves, Gerard Piqué, Marc Bartra, Adriano, Sergio Busquets, Xavi, Cesc Fàbregas, Pedro, Messi, Neymar.
Match Date/Time: 6 p.m. local, 12:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos, Almeria, Spain
TV: beIN Sport, beIN Sport en Español (U.S.), Sky Sports 4 (U.K.), Canal+ Liga (Spain)
Online: beIN Sport Play (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.)
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