(Football news) Barcelona suffered a disappointing loss against Manchester United. The Catalan club lost 4-3 on aggregate and were knocked out of the Europa League playoffs. For the 2nd year in a row they were knocked out of both European competitions. Xavi’s men will definitely be very low on confidence but they are still 8 points clear on top of the La Liga table and are also in the Copa Del Rey semi finals. They have won all of their last 7 games and will be looking to go for the 8th. Barcelona will take on Almeria who are currently sitting in 17th place just avoiding the relegation zone due to goal difference. 

Barcelona are still without Ousmane Dembele and Pedri who are injured. Ansu Fati picked up an injury in training and he is also set to be out for some time. Gavi will return to the line-up which is great news for Xavi. The midfielder’s absence was felt at Old Trafford as he was suspended. Ronald Araujo did come off with an injury midweek but it was just a precaution and he should be fine to start. Ferran Torres is likely to come into the line-up to better Barcelona’s attacking ability. Xavi may rest a couple of players because Barcelona are to play Real Madrid on Thursday in the Copa Del Rey.

Almeria on the other hand have only one player out which is Alejandro Pozo. The home side have lost their last 3 games and have won just 1 game since the World Cup break. A result against Barcelona will be a massive boost for them as they are fighting for survival. The biggest threat for Almeria is Robert Lewandowski and their biggest challenge would be to stop the supply to him. Barcelona would be hoping to get a comfortable and dominant win which will help get their momentum back.

Also read: Real Madrid host Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu