Real Betis vs Barcelona – La Liga – Preview

Posted on April 30, 2016 by Sreya

Barcelona travel to Benito Villamarin to face Real Betis on 30th April, Saturday as the Catalan club gears up to defend its La Liga title. With only three games remaining to be played in the league, Barcelona are still leading the title charge with eighty-two points.

Although Luis Enrique’s side boast of a superior goal difference, Atletico Madrid are breathing down their neck, trailing only on goals while Real Madrid is a solitary point behind the other two. With a three-way race underway for the Spanish top division title, a single mistake could cost Barcelona their title.

Real Betis are in the comforts of the mid-table on the thirteenth position with forty one points from their ten wins, but they will be eager to bounce back after a 2-0 loss to Sevilla in their last game.

Team News

Cristiano Piccini and Didier Digard are sidelined through injuries for the home side. Bruno Gonzalez and Juan Vargas have been listed as doubts. Thomas Vermalaen and Sergi Samper are still absent for Barcelona, but Sandro Ramirez and Jeremy Mathieu are set to face late fitness tests.

Real Betis Possible Starting Lineup: Antonio Adan, Francisco Molinero, Bruno Gonzalez, German Pezzella, Martin Montaya, Alfred N’Diaye, Petros, Charly Musonda, Joaquin, Dani Ceballos, Ruben Castro.

Barcelona Possible Starting Lineup: Claudio Bravo, Dani Alves, Javier Mascherano, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar.

Contributor’s Pick

According to Head-2-Head statistics, Barcelona have won five and drawn one of their previous six encounters with Real Betis. In fact, Barcelona are undefeated in twelve of their last thirteen away matches.

Barcelona have not only won all five of their matches against Real Betis in all competitions, but scored a minimum of three goals during four matches. Barcelona have picked up their form in the last couple of weeks after previous struggles.

Luis Enrique’s side will be the favorites tomorrow with a 2-0 scoreline being the most probable one.

“We arrived to the game in very good shape. It could work either way so we’re not concerned with whether or not our opponents have something to play for or not. We just need to try to win the game. We know it’ll be tough against Betis, especially given we’re playing away from home.

We set a very high standards last season but we still can win the double. The team is training very well. This is the final stretch of the season and i’m optimistic.”

– Luis Enrique, Barcelona.