Match Preview for Albacete v Barcelona
Barcelona have the possibility to do what Real Madrid couldn’t and knock Albacete out of the Copa del Rey on Tuesday.
The hosts’ win over Madrid on January 14 was an enormous shock and ensured new coach Alvaro Arbeloa’s spell on the Bernabeu bought off to the worst potential begin.
His Barca counterpart Hansi Flick is cautious of struggling the identical destiny of their quarter-final tie. He mentioned: “Copa del Rey matches are like this. That’s why we like them, as a result of generally they’ve unexpected outcomes. They don’t have anything to lose, simply to win.”
Albacete have gone on a great run for the reason that Madrid sport, successful their final three video games within the Segunda Division to climb to twelfth within the standings.
And Flick is aware of his aspect should begin on the entrance foot to quell the hosts’ enthusiasm. “We at all times analyse the opponent,” he added. “What Albacete did in opposition to Actual Madrid was very spectacular. What issues is how we begin, with the precise mentality. We should change little issues. I used to be very comfortable in Elche with our soccer however we missed many clear alternatives. We’re not searching for perfection, however for progress.”
Barcelona have been hammered 3-0 at Chelsea within the Champions League on November 25. Since then they’ve performed 16 video games, successful 15, with the one defeat being a hard-luck loss at Actual Sociedad on January 18.
“After the Chelsea match we’ve got superior step-by-step, elevating the extent,” mentioned Flick. “The essential gamers are at a terrific degree. Tomorrow it’s important to have the great mentality, win the duels. That’s what I wish to see.”
Striker Jefte Betancor was the Albacete hero in opposition to Madrid with two targets, together with the late winner.
He admits Barca weren’t on his checklist of most popular opponents.
He advised Mundo Deportivo: “All of us mentioned that it didn’t matter which group we bought and that we needed to take pleasure in it. Personally, I didn’t need Barça as a result of I’m not silly.
“Barca are in nice kind. Proper now, they’re among the finest groups on the earth, if not the most effective. Now we have to play an ideal sport and hope that Barça doesn’t have a great day. Then we’ve got an opportunity.
“Even when they don’t have a great day, Barça nonetheless has a variety of high quality. But when we’re nicely linked, as we’ve got been, we’ll have our probabilities.”
Workforce Information for Albacete v Barcelona
Higinio Marin is fighting a thigh harm and Edward Cedeno is unavailable for Albacete.
Barcelona will certainly be with out winger Raphinha as a consequence of an adductor problem whereas Jules Kounde is a doubt. Marcus Rashford and Joao Cancelo are more likely to step in.
Predicted line-ups for Albacete v Barcelona
Albacete: Lizoain; Aguado, Moreno, Neva, Gomez; Capi, Pacheco, Villar, Melendez; Medina, Betancor
Barcelona: J Garcia; Cancelo, E Garcia, Cubarsi, Balde; De Jong, Bernal, Olmo; Rashford, Yamal; Lewandowski
The right way to watch Albacete v Barcelona: TV and on-line streams
Albacete versus Barcelona kicks off at 8pm UK time on Tuesday. You may watch it within the UK on Premier Sports activities 1.
You may stream it on the bet365 app and web site.
In case you’re not within the UK, click on HERE to see who has the rights in your area.
Stats for Albacete v Barcelona
- An Albacete win would match their finest run within the competitors, set in 1995 after they reached the semi-final
- Barcelona have received the Copa a file 32 instances and are the defending champions
- Barcelona have received their final six conferences with Albacete
