Afghanistan
Angola
Argentina
Asia (AFC)
Asian Games
Australia
Belgium-Netherlands
Brazil
Burkina Faso
Central American & Caribbean Games
Central American Games
Congo DR
Denmark
England
Europe (UEFA)
FYR Macedonia
Finland
Germany
Greece
International Tournaments
Italy
Mediterranean Games
Mexico
National
Nepal
North & Central America (Concacaf)
Palestine
Pan American Games
Panama
Russia
Scandinavia
Serbia And Montenegro
South American Games
Spain
Syria
USA
Venezuela
World (FIFA)
Yemen
Zimbabwe

Preview: Almeria vs. Real Madrid - prediction, team news, lineups

sportsmole.co.uk, 12 August 2022, 15:40
Almeria face a baptism of fire upon their return to La Liga on Sunday as reigning champions Real Madrid visit the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos in the opening gameweek.

The hosts finished atop the pile in the Segunda Division last term to return to the big time, while Carlo Ancelotti's side conquered both Spain and Europe.

Match preview

Fourth place in 2019-20 did not cut the mustard, the same position in 2020-21 was only good enough to get knocked out by Girona in the promotion playoffs, but there was to be no denying Almeria their spot in the top tier for the upcoming campaign this time around.

Under the tutelage of Rubi, Almeria amassed 81 points in the 2021-22 Segunda Division to finish atop the pile, but they only pipped Real Valladolid to top spot on goal difference and were just one point clear of Eibar in a hotly-contested promotion race.

La Union spent seven consecutive seasons in the doldrums of the Segunda Division and even flirted with relegation on a couple of occasions, but this weekend's hosts are now gearing up for their first year back in the top division since placing 19th in 2014-15.

By bringing in the likes of Kaiky, Fernando Pacheco, Houboulang Mendes and Alejandro Pozo, a healthy mix of youth and experience is at Rubi's disposal for the upcoming campaign, and they won three of their five pre-season friendlies ahead of the visit of the champions.

The quest for a historic sextuple has already begun for Real Madrid, who placed another European trophy in the cabinet with a 2-0 success over Eintracht Frankfurt in Wednesday's UEFA Super Cup battle at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki.

Goals from David Alaba and, of course, Karim Benzema, got the job done against the Europa League holders as Carlo Ancelotti's side now prepare to fight for success in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Champions League, the Supercopa de Espana and potentially the latest edition of the Club World Cup, if and when that tournament gets the green light.

Real Madrid would be folly not to expect Barcelona to come out all guns blazing in what ought to be a spectacular showdown for the La Liga title, with the Blaugrana investing heavily and in dire need of success to alleviate their ongoing financial issues.

Nevertheless, Los Blancos - who got their hands on the La Liga crown for the 35th time in the 2021-22 season - will feel as confident as ever heading into the new domestic year, even if their lengthy pursuit of Kylian Mbappe ultimately did not pay dividends.

The visitors did only manage to win one of their final four La Liga games last term, although there was the small matter of the Champions League final to contend with back in May, and they have won each of their last five encounters with Almeria - scoring at least three goals on each occasion.

Almeria pre-season form:

Real Madrid form (all competitions):

Team News

Almeria head into the opening matchday without right-back Juanjo Nieto or centre-back Ivan Martos, with both defenders on the comeback trial from cruciate ligament injuries.

Midfielder Arnau Puigmal is also touch-and-go for the contest due to muscular discomfort, but the headlines in the Almeria camp are centred on star striker Umar Sadiq, who hit 18 goals and 12 assists in league action last term.

The Nigeria international will be allowed to leave for the right price, and Villarreal are thought to be the frontrunners for his signature, but Rubi has confirmed that he will start the contest unless his exit is fast-tracked.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid manager Ancelotti is once again blessed with a near fully-fit squad for the opening matchday, with Reinier Jesus and Rodrygo set to be the only two absentees here.

There was no space for Antonio Rudiger or Aurelien Tchouameni in the first XI during the Super Cup, but Ancelotti may consider a change or two after his side's midweek exploits.

Ferland Mendy and Dani Carvajal would be strong candidates to drop out if that is the case, while Federico Valverde should continue on the right in Rodrygo's absence.

Almeria possible starting lineup:

Fernando; Pozo, Ely, Babic, Akieme; De la Hoz, Costa, Robertone; Portillo, Sadiq, Ramazani

Real Madrid possible starting lineup:

Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius Jr

We say: Almeria 0-3 Real Madrid

Keeping hold of Sadiq for the visit of the champions has been of paramount importance for Almeria, but there is only so much that the prolific 25-year-old can do against the Spanish and European champions.

Despite their midweek exploits and long journey home, Ancelotti's fully-fit side should have no problem picking up an opening-day win and giving Almeria a harsh dose of reality on Sunday.

Previews by email

Top News

21 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah has revealed that he 'decided not to sulk' when being exiled from the first-team squad by Enzo Maresca. 21 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Brentford will look to pick up their first away points of the season when they travel to Goodison Park to face Everton in the Premier League on Saturday. 21 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Both aiming to continue their respective unbeaten runs, Millwall and league leaders Sunderland will clash for a tasty-looking Championship battle at The Den on Saturday afternoon. 21 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Aberdeen, looking to extend their unbeaten start to the 2024/25 Scottish Premiership season, will travel to The Smisa Stadium on Saturday afternoon to face St Mirren. 21 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Heading back to his old stomping ground for a weekend, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca takes his Blues team to the King Power Stadium for a Premier League lunchtime date with Leicester City on Saturday. 21 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk With three points separating them in the bottom half of the Championship table, Sheffield Wednesday and Cardiff City will do battle at Hillsborough on Saturday. 21 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Leicester City head coach Steve Cooper could be without as many as five attackers for Saturday's Premier League showdown with Chelsea at the King Power Stadium. 21 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Looking to halt their worrying winless run, Preston North End will welcome Derby County to Deepdale for an all-important Championship clash on Saturday afternoon in Lancashire. 21 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is of the opinion that Leicester City hold the advantage ahead of Saturday's Premier League fixture. 21 November 2024 talksport.com Rio Ferdinand was left stunned after learning that he almost became teammates with Robert Lewandowski at Manchester United. 21 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed yet another injury to the luckless Reece James ahead of Saturday lunchtime's Premier League fixture against Leicester City. 21 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Rangers, aiming to build consistent form after a challenging start to the season, host Dundee United at Ibrox Stadium on Saturday in the Scottish Premiership. 21 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United have reportedly identified Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez as their leading forward target for next summer, with the Red Devils believed to have put a plan in place to sign the Argentina international. 21 November 2024 talksport.com Enzo Maresca has revealed that Chelsea captain Reece James has been dealt another injury blow. 21 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Oxford United play host to Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon looking for the win that will move them away from the relegation zone. 21 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Bristol City play host to Burnley on Saturday afternoon with the opportunity to catapult themselves up the Championship table. 21 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk After losing four games in a row across all competitions for the first time under manager Pep Guardiola, Manchester City will endeavour to return to winning ways during a tricky fixture schedule leading up to Christmas. 21 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk The faltering title hopefuls meet the unexpected Champions League challengers on Saturday afternoon, as Arsenal and Nottingham Forest collide at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League. 21 November 2024 talksport.com The chance to make your first senior start in professional football is what any player dreams of - unless you've been up partying all night. 21 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo will have to assess a couple of his international contingent before Saturday's Premier League game against Arsenal at the Emirates. 21 November 2024 talksport.com Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up on what the impact of moving to Saudi Arabia had on his family. 21 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has several fitness doubts to assess for Saturday's Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest at the Emirates. 21 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Remarkably only separated by goal difference in the Premier League standings, ailing Arsenal and high-flying Nottingham Forest prepare for an intriguing battle at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon. 21 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid will be aiming to make it successive wins in La Liga when they travel to Leganes on Sunday evening. 21 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City could be boosted by the return of several first-team stars for Saturday's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium. 21 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City will endeavour to close the five-point gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool when they welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening. 21 November 2024 talksport.com Juan Mata has made history by investing in new MLS outfit San Diego FC. 21 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Ruben Amorim's first taste of Premier League football will come on Sunday afternoon, when he leads his Manchester United team against Ipswich Town at Portman Road. 21 November 2024 talksport.com Ruben Amorim is reportedly backing Manchester United to re-sign Angel Gomes as part of his Old Trafford rebuild. 21 November 2024 talksport.com Celtic will be looking to remain top of the Scottish Premiership when they take on Hearts at an unusual time this weekend.
Sat 23 Nov, 14:00
A
Verona Verona
-
sch
Inter Inter
Sat 23 Nov, 20:00
L1
Reims Reims
-
sch
Lyon Lyon