Real Betis vs Barcelona Preview: Team News & Prediction
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The experienced Manuel Pellegrini is perhaps in danger of becoming under pressure in charge of Real Betis as they begin to stagnate ahead of now welcoming league leaders Barcelona to the Benito Villamarin this weekend.
Kick-off date/time: Saturday 7th December, 2024: UK – 3:15pm / US ET – 10:15am / US PT – 7:15am
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so Real Betis vs Barcelona may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
Real Betis Preview: Frustrated Betis
Real Betis’ underwhelming form continued with a fairly average performance in the second round of the Copa del Rey in midweek as they eventually defeated Sant Andreu by three goals to one the other day. It was 1-1 until late on before the Andalusians eventually stole the victory via late strikes from Marc Bartra and Abde Ez.
In La Liga, Betis were beaten 2-0 by Real Sociedad at the Anoeta in the Basque Country last weekend with the hosts having now gone winless in four matches in La Liga since defeating Atletico Madrid at the back end of October. That has combined with poor performances in the UEFA Europa Conference League, including a loss to Mlada Boleslav about ten days ago.
Barcelona Preview: Blaugrana re-establish the gap
Hansi Flick and his Barcelona side re-established a four-point lead at the top-of-the-table in La Liga with a much-needed victory in the Balearic Islands against Real Mallorca. The Catalans defeated the Majorcans by five goals to one thanks to a brace from Raphinha as well as goals from Ferran Torres, Frenkie de Jong and Pau Vitor.
As they try to regain the Spanish title, Barca had been rampant and relentless for large parts of these opening few months but that win in the Balearics was so needed because it came on the back of a three-match winless run of form, including a 2-1 defeat at home to Las Palmas at Estadi Olympic Lluis Companys last weekend.
Real Betis Team News: Midfield issues
Manuel Pellegrini has put together an experienced and recognisable Betis squad but there are quite a few experienced and recognisable names missing through injury in their midfield.
For example, as well as Pablo Fornals being a doubt for this one, Betis are also dealing with the absences of William Carvalho, Marc Roca and former Real Madrid man Isco.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Silva; Sabaly, Marc Bartra, Diego Llorente, Perraud; Iker Losada, Sergio Altimira; Chimy Avila, Lo Celso, Abde Ez; Vitor Roque
Unavailable: Carvalho (Injured), Marc Roca (Injured), Isco (Injured)
Questionable: Hector Bellerin (Injured), Johnny Cardoso (Injured), Pablo Fornals (Injured)
Barcelona Team News: Reliance on Lamine Yamal
There is perhaps an over reliance on 17-year-old Lamine Yamal but his quality is such that that is just going to have to be accepted after he returned to the side to inspire their win in midweek.
Robert Lewandowski was rested in that game but is expected to return to the eleven with key men such as Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Ronald Araujo still long-term injury absentees.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Inaki Pena; Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Alex Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Unavailable: Ter Stegen (Injured), Christensen (Injured), Ronald Araujo (Injured), Marc Bernal (Injured), Ansu Fati (Injured)
Questionable:
Real Betis vs Barcelona Prediction
Real Betis have often played in a style that has lacked cohesion at both ends of the pitch under Manuel Pellegrini but the recognisable names of Nabil Fekir and Isco have dragged them out. Fekir has left and Isco is injured now and this rut is just growing for the time being. They now face a Barcelona side that clicked back into gear with their wonderkid Lamine Yamal back to full fitness and backing the league leaders to win again is a fair bet.
Real Betis vs Barcelona Tip: Barcelona to win
