Barcelona vs AlmerÃa Match Preview
Liga leader Barcelona does not want to take qualification for Copa del Rey final for granted, even though Pep Guardiola's boys destroyed Almeria only a few weeks ago 8-0.
Barcelona's captain Carles Puyol is ruled out with injuries, while Daniel Alves and Bojan might not be among the starting eleven, both of them physically compromised. Javier Mascherano, Xavi and Andres Iniesta will be responsible for feeding the trio of doom: David Villa, Lio Messi and Pedro.
Oltra's Rojiblancos will have to be extremely careful to leave Barcelona's stadium with a smile upon their faces. there will be many absentees in UD Almeria, as Miguel Angel Nieto, Juanma Ortiz, Santiago Acasiete, Marcelo Silva and Juanito are all ruled out with injuries.
On loan from Sevilla, young defender Antonio Luna might play his first match with Almeria this Wednesday. Kalu Uche and Argentinean striker Fernando Ulloa must be prepared to struggle with the toughest defense in the Spanish league.
Regarding the last sound victory against Almeria, Guardiola tried to cool down the expectations of the crowds "It was an exception and I'll be more than happy with much less than that. It's been a while, they have a new coach and we must change our perspective now. It's likely to be the toughest knock-out in their history and they won't give in without a fight"