How Barcelona could line up against Almeria

Barcelona boss Xavi will be forced into at least one change for Wednesday's La Liga clash with basement side Almeria.

If the Catalan giants are to end a three-game winless run in all competitions, they will have to do it without the services of midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

The Dutchman will miss the final match of 2023 through suspension after he picked up his fifth yellow card of the La Liga season in Saturday's frustrating draw with Valencia.

In addition to De Jong, Xavi is unable to call upon the injured quartet of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Inigo Martinez, Marcos Alonso and Gavi.

With Ter Stegen absent, 24-year-old goalkeeper Inaki Pena will start a seventh consecutive game for the Blaugrana.

The shot-stopper is likely to be shielded by the central defensive pairing of Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo, while Joao Cancelo and Alejandro Balde are set to operate as the right and left full-backs respectively.

Oriol Romeu, who has started nine league games this season, is expected to come into the side for De Jong and anchor a midfield that will feature Ilkay Gundogan and Pedri.

While Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres are pushing for starting roles, Xavi could keep faith with Raphinha and Joao Felix after the pair combined for the latter to score Barcelona's solitary goal in the weekend's 1-1 draw with Valencia.

The pair are set to offer support to Robert Lewandowski, who will be looking to add to the nine league goals that he has scored this season.

Barcelona possible starting lineup:

Pena; Cancelo, Araujo, Kounde, Balde; Gundogan, Romeu, Pedri; Raphinha, Felix, Lewandowski