In a highly anticipated La Liga showdown, Barcelona will aim for their fourth consecutive victory when they host Real Betis at Camp Nou this Saturday evening, marking one of the standout fixtures in game week five.
The reigning champions have accumulated 10 points from their first four matches this season, placing them third in the league standings. On the other hand, Real Betis, currently seventh, boasts seven points from their initial four encounters.
Match Preview
Barcelona started the new La Liga season with a rather lackluster goalless draw against Getafe. However, they have since bounced back with three successive wins over Cadiz, Villarreal, and Osasuna.
Their recent match against Osasuna seemed destined for a draw, as Ezequiel Avila canceled out an early goal from Jules Kounde. However, Robert Lewandowski found the net in the 86th minute, securing a late victory for Barcelona.
Currently positioned third, just two points behind leaders Real Madrid, Xavi’s squad is now gearing up for three consecutive home fixtures, two of which are in the league.
Celta Vigo is the next visitor to Camp Nou, followed by a Champions League group-stage opener against Royal Antwerp.
The Catalan giants are determined to perform better in this competition, having failed to advance past the group stage in their previous two attempts.
On transfer deadline day, Barcelona secured loan deals for Joao Cancelo from Manchester City and Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid. Both players made their debuts against Osasuna and are eager to contribute to the club’s success.
Real Betis, in contrast, comes into this contest fresh off a 1-0 victory against Rayo Vallecano, with Willian Jose scoring the decisive goal in the 53rd minute.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side has managed seven points from their first four matches, starting with a 2-1 win over Villarreal, followed by a draw with Atletico Madrid and a loss to Athletic Bilbao.
They currently occupy seventh place in the table and are gearing up for European action, facing Rangers in their Europa League group-stage opener.
Real Betis secured a sixth-place finish in La Liga last season, earning them a direct qualification to the Europa League group stage. They have high hopes of finishing strongly this season as well.
While Real Betis has lost their last three league encounters against Barcelona, they do have a recent Camp Nou victory to their name, winning 1-0 at the iconic stadium in December 2021.
La Liga Form:
Barcelona: LWW
Real Betis: WDLW
Team News
Barcelona continues to miss key players Pedri and Ronald Araujo due to injuries. Ilkay Gundogan, who suffered a back problem while on international duty with Germany, is doubtful for this match.
Fermin Lopez is also unavailable due to suspension following a red card in a match for Barcelona’s second team.
Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix are potential starters for their full debuts, while 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, Spain’s youngest-ever player and goalscorer, is expected to continue his impressive early-season form in the attack.
On the other hand, Real Betis has injury concerns with Aitor Ruibal, Luiz Henrique, Claudio Bravo, William Carvalho, and Nabil Fekir sidelined.
Additionally, Luiz Felipe has been sold to Al-Ittihad before the transfer deadline in the Saudi Pro League, necessitating changes in the defense. Marc Bartra is likely to step in against his former club.
In the attacking third, Willian Jose is expected to lead the line, and Marc Roca could feature alongside Guido Rodriguez in midfield due to Carvalho’s injury.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Barcelona:
- Ter Stegen
- Cancelo
- Kounde
- Christensen
- Balde
- Romeu
- De Jong
- Gavi
- Yamal
- Lewandowski
- Felix
Real Betis:
- Silva
- Bellerin
- Pezzella
- Bartra
- Abner
- Rodriguez
- Roca
- Rodri
- Isco
- Perez
- Willian Jose
Prediction
This clash presents a formidable challenge for Barcelona, and a draw would not be surprising. Nevertheless, the Catalan side is currently in good form, and with the potential inclusion of Yamal and Felix alongside Lewandowski in an exciting front three, we anticipate a home victory.