Match Preview : Albacete VS Barça- Copa Del Rey

As we move into the midweek fixtures, it’s yet another big one. Live from 9pm local time, in the quarter finals of the copa Del Rey. It’s Barça up against Albacete. Away from home, its going to be yet another test. And of course the 2nd division side have already claimed a big scalp already this season, knocking out Real Madrid in the round of 16 on Arbeloa’s first game in charge. So, we cant go into this game complacent. Flick wont allow that. But its another one of those tricky, away Copa Del Rey games so lets jump straight into the preview!

A Quick Look at our opponents:

Albacete have done a brilliant job in the Copa Del Rey this season, reaching the quarter finals. And they are the only second division side remaining in the competition After, as i mentioned above, they knocked out Real Madrid in spectacular fashion in the very last round. Now they face Barça at home yet again in front of their fans. Another incredible occasion for that club and their fanbase. It’s without a doubt one of their biggest games, not only of the season, but of the last so many years. The atmosphere is going to be fierce. And as I said, in general it’s a test for this team. In terms of Albacete as a team, in their respective division they sit comfortably in mid table, 12th spot. They’ve won all of their games since beating Madrid, so they’re at a very good point of the season. Whilst also having a season record in LaLiga 2 of scoring 30 goals and conceding only. 4 more than that.

Predicted lineup:

Coming into tonight’s game, forgetting the players we already know we will be without. The only new absentee this time around, is unfortunately, Raphinha. Although thankfully there is no expected injury, he is just being rested for tonight’s game, suffering with muscle overload. In that case, I think it will most likely be Rashford who will come in to replace him. Or even Ferran on the left with Lewandowski down the middle. In midfield, if you want to believe early reports, Marc Bernal is expected to start. And if that’s the case, Frenkie or Casado could start alongside him. With most probably the usual suspects in defence. Maybe Martin could feature too, possibly Even Cancelo. But I don’t think we’ll see too many changes, Flick will want to go strong.