By the time Barcelona kicks-off against Almeria on Sunday, they'll know exactly where they stand in the title race thanks to the Madrid derby earlier in the day. No matter what the result of that match, Barca will be looking for three points to either stay close to Real Madrid or pull even with them on points. Anything other than full points simply won't be good enough.
Barcelona vs. Almeria: Preview and TV schedule
Barcelona need points to keep pressure on Real Madrid as they attempt to defend their league title.
David Ramos
Barca stumbled last weekend suffering a thorough defeat at the hands of Real Sociedad that allowed Madrid to move three points clear of them for the league lead.
Almeria have been all over the place this season going from the high of a 2-0 defeat of Atlético Madrid last month to the lows of five goal defeats at the hands of Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao. Despite their inconsistent play they remain three points clear of the drop zone as they look to avoid a one and done season in the top flight.
Barca won the first match of the season between the two teams 2-0 and considering Almeria’s poor away form -- they’ve lost four straight on the road -- Martino will be expecting another victory from his team.
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Gerard Piqué (calf).
Almeria injuries and suspensions
Out: None.
Barca defender Gerard Piqué will sit out Sunday with a calf injury, giving him a chance to rest ahead of more important matches on the schedule.
Projected lineups
Barcelona: Victor Valdés, Dani Alves, Marc Bartra, Javier Mascherano, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Xavi, Cesc Fàbregas, Alexis Sánchez, Lionel Messi, Neymar.
Almeria: Esteban, Rafita, Ángel Trujillo, Marco Torsiglieri, Sebastián Dubarbier, Verza, Ramon Azeez, Suso, Fernando Soriano, Aleix Vidal, Jonathan Zongo
Match Date/Time: 9 p.m. local, 3 p.m. ET
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
TV: beIN Sports en Español (U.S.), Sky Sports 1 (U.K.)
Online: beIN Sports Play (U.S.), beIN Sports Play (Canada)
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