Team look to extend great away start

Jordi Clos

Barça visit Almeria (20.00 R@dio Barça) in what could prove a tricky game at the end of a week when the squad has been depleted by international commitments and with just a week to go to the big Madrid game.

The technical staff have had very little time with the players to prepare this game due to the international games midweek, which deprived Barça of 13 players and there is also the danger that focus may drift to next week’s clash with Madrid, when concentration needs to be high on the game in hand. As Andres Iniesta pointed out earlier this week, “the three points in Almeria are worth the same as the points up for grabs against Madrid”.

Abidal out
The squad suffered a last minute withdrawal when Eric Abidal pulled out with a calf strain and joined fellow defender Milito on the injury list. On the positive side, Pinto is over his heavy cold and makes the trip, as do the reserve team youngsters Thiago, Fontàs and Sergi Gómez

Almeria in need of points
Almeria are struggling and slipped into the relegation places after their defeat in San Mames last week. Coach Juanma Lillo has been trying a variety of tactical schemes and played a five man defence against Bilbao. He’ll be looking for a first home win this evening, but will be without regulars Pellerano, Rigo, Crusat and Nieto.