Real Madrid vs Almeria Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Spanish Primera
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
When is Real Madrid vs Almeria on and what time does it start? Real Madrid vs Almeria will take place on Sunday 21st January, 2024 – 15:15 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Real Madrid vs Almeria? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Real Madrid vs Almeria on in the UK? Real Madrid vs Almeria will be televised live on LaLigaTV, but La Liga matches are also televised occasionally on Viaplay Sports and ITV
Where can I stream Real Madrid vs Almeria in the UK? Real Madrid vs Almeria can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
REAL MADRID
It has been an up and down week for Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid. They managed victories over Atletico Madrid and then Barcelona in Saudi Arabia to win the Supercopa de Espana but Los Blancos were then beaten 4-2 after extra time by Atletico at the Metropolitano in the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey in midweek.
Real Madrid have played 28 matches across all competitions so far this season and they have suffered just two defeats – both of those losses have come away to Atletico Madrid. They currently sit a point behind league leaders, Girona, but Madrid do have a game-in-hand and come into this one on the back of three successive La Liga victories.
ALMERIA
It has been an absolutely nightmare-ish campaign for Almeria so far this season as, quite remarkably, they remain winless in La Liga after 20 matches of the 2023/24 campaign. The Andalusians have earned six draws with 14 defeats, sitting ten points behind 17th and safety – so they aren’t yet, even more remarkably, out of danger.
They do, though, come into this on the back of an impressive and hard fought goalless draw against title challenging Girona in their most recent outing, last weekend. Both teams down to ten men, Almeria were able to frustrate their Catalan opponents, under the management of former Eibar boss, Gaizka Garitano.
THE TEAM NEWS
REAL MADRID
Real Madrid’s long injury list is shorter for this week with Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, David Alaba and Lucas Vazquez all unavailable for the visit of Almeria.
PREDICTED XI (4-1-2-1-2): Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy; Tchouameni; Valverde, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius
UNAVAILABLE: Vazquez (Injured), Alaba (Injured), Militao (Injured), Courtois (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
ALMERIA
Marciano Sanca, Iddrisu Baba and Houboulang Mendes are away on international duty, whilst Leo Baptstao is missing this weekend due to suspension, too.
PREDICTED XI (4-1-4-1): Maximiano; Pubill, Montes, Chumi, Akieme; Edgar; Arribas, Robertone, Lopy, Embarba; Ramazani
UNAVAILABLE: Sanca (International duty), Baba (International duty), Mendes (International duty), Baptistao (Suspended), Puigmal (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Kone (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid are not used to losing this season but their midweek derby day defeat to Atletico will cause them a lot of frustrating as they wave goodbye to that piece of silverware for this year. However, they are still on the march for the title and will expect to bounce back with a heavy win at the Bernabeu against bottom-of-the-table Almeria. The visitors have proven themselves to be improving either side of Christmas with good performances against the likes of Barcelona and Girona but it is expected that Madrid simply dismiss them on Sunday afternoon.
TIP: REAL MADRID TO WIN -1 HANDICAP
