Real Madrid vs. Almeria: Team News, Predicted Lineups, Live Stream and TV InfoDaniel Tejedor/Associated PressReal Madrid will look to once again close Barcelona's lead at the top of La Liga on Wednesday, with Sergi Barjuan hoping to maintain his positive start to life at the helm of Almeria. The ex-Barca defender has led Almeria to two wins in his first four games in charge of the club but stealing a result at the Bernabeu in midweek will be a tremendous task for the Catalonia native. Real can move back to within two points of the league leaders after Luis Enrique's men got the better of Getafe on Tuesday evening, opening up a five-point cushion at the summit, even if only temporarily. Read on for a full preview ahead of Los Blancos' midweek examination, complete with latest team news, form guide, match odds and discussion of which players in particular to keep an eye on.
com and OddsChecker. comPlayer to WatchAlthough it was Chicharito who stole the headlines against Celta Vigo on Sunday, James Rodriguez was arguably Real's most instrumental player in executing a fine victory for Los Merengues. The absences of Bale and Modric may stunt Real's creativity in parts, but with Rodriguez in his current vein of form, Real can rest easy knowing they have one particular dynamo among their ranks. Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty ImagesDubarbier's return does give Almeria some added comfort in dealing with that threat and the Argentinian has the benefit of an extra week's rest after serving a suspension. That being said, Rodriguez scored one and assisted another on Sunday to display what a terror he can be for opposition defences and will look to take a leading role in guiding his side past another obstacle.
Almeria are pleased to welcome back left-back Sebastian Dubarbier after he served a one-match suspension in the 2-0 win against Eibar, and he should replace Jose Manuel Casado in Barjuan's back four. However, the visitors' attack will be altered with Thievy Bifouma and Wellington Silva poised to serve one-match suspensions. ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan highlighted their cautions against Eibar:Dermot Corrigan @dermotmcorriganWith their team 2-0 up & timing running out Almeria's Thievy & Wellington Silva both pick up yellows so they can serve ban at Bernabeu Wed. Predicted FormationsReal Madrid (4-4-1-1)Keylor Navas; Alvaro Arbeloa, Raphael Varane, Pepe, Marcelo; Asier Illarramendi, Lucas Silva, Isco, James Rodriguez; Cristiano Ronaldo; Javier HernandezVia Bleacher Report Formation BuilderAlmeria (4-5-1)Ruben; Ximo Navarro, Sebastian Dubarbier, Angel Trujillo, Mauro dos Santos; Thomas Partey, Corona, Verza, Edgar, Jonathan; Tommer HemedMatch OddsResultOddsReal Madrid Win1-20Draw12-1Almeria Win33-1Both Teams to Score13-10OddsShark.