Verdict: Barcelona to score the opening goal
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Hoping to extend their buffer at the top of the La Liga standings on Saturday evening, Barcelona will travel to Andalusia when they meet Real Betis.
Real Betis
Starting with the hosts, while Real Betis might have been forced to settle for consecutive La Liga stalemates on either side of November’s international break, Manuel Pellegrini’s men are enjoying what has become an extended flurry. Last seen putting in a routine performance as they clinched a 2-0 victory away at Sevilla, the one-time Manchester City boss should find the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Sat firmly in the driving seat to punch a Europa League knockout stage ticket this season, the Andalusia-based outfit have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 16 consecutive appearances across all competitions. With that purple patch stemming all the way back to the end of August, Real Betis should be relishing a heavyweight examination on Saturday evening.
Real Betis Team News
While former Real Madrid playmaker Isco might have missed out away at Sevilla last weekend, the 33-year-old is expected to make a full return here. Likewise, despite serving a one-match La Liga suspension last time out, ex-Manchester United misfit Antony will also return to Pellegrini’s squad.
However, dealing with a recent muscle issue, one-time Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin remains a major doubt this weekend. Despite being set to turn 35 next month, former Barcelona starlet Marc Bartra will start at the heart of Betis’ defence on Saturday evening.
Barcelona
As for the visitors, while Barcelona might have suffered an infamous Champions League nightmare last month as they slumped to a 3-0 drumming away at Chelsea, it appears that was just a minor blip for Hansi Flick’s men. With their sights firmly set on retaining their La Liga crown this season, the former Bayern Munich boss finds his squad leading the chase at the top of the table. Last seen earlier in the week collecting a heavyweight domestic scalp as they stormed their way to an empathic 3-1 victory at home against historic rivals Atletico Madrid, Saturday’s guests have won each of their previous five consecutive La Liga showdowns by an aggregate score of 17-5. Gaining a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third, Flick’s defending champions will be hoping to make another title statement when they travel to Andalusia this weekend.
Barcelona Team News
Suffering a shoulder injury against Atletico Madrid earlier in the week, Barcelona will be without Spanish international Dani Olmo for the next few weeks. Likewise, Flick’s men announced on Tuesday that defender Ronald Araujo has been granted a leave of absence to prioritise his mental health.
Coming off the bench and notching an eighth La Liga strike of the season on Tuesday night, Ferran Torres should be handed a full recall. Already registering 12 direct goal contributions in his first 11 La Liga outings, Lamine Yamal will play a leading role in attack.
Real Betis vs Barcelona Key Factors to Consider
- When Real Betis and Barcelona last met back on April 5th, Saturday’s opponents played out a 1-1 stalemate.
- Barca have won each of their previous five consecutive La Liga showdowns by an aggregate score of 17-5.
- Continuing on from last season, Betis have suffered just a sole domestic defeat in Andalusia since the middle of April.
- 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal has registered 12 direct goal contributions in his first 11 La Liga appearances (five goals, seven assists).
- Seven of the last nine meetings between Real Betis and Barcelona have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
While Barcelona might travel to Andalusia on Saturday evening with their sights set on widening their buffer at the top of the La Liga table, Flick’s defending champions should be bracing themselves for a tricky test. With Real Betis suffering just a single domestic defeat in front of their own supporters since the middle of April, Saturday’s hosts are more than capable of asking some serious questions. In a showdown that tends to produce plenty of fireworks, we look set for what could be another pulsating La Liga battle this weekend.
Verdict: Barcelona to score the opening goal
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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