Barcelona will try to extend their advantage at the top of La Liga to eight points when they meet Real Betis on Wednesday at the Estadio Benito Villamain.
Last time out, both teams won 1-0 away from home in the top level, with Barcelona defeating Girona and Betis defeating Getafe.
Match Preview
Read Also
After losing three successive matches in all competitions, albeit two of those on penalties, Real Betis returned to winning ways with a narrow one-goal victory over relegation-threatened Getafe on Saturday.
Betis head into Wednesday’s fixture seeking revenge against Barcelona after losing 4-2 on penalties in the Spanish Super Cup semi-finals three weeks ago following a 2-2 draw in 120 minutes.
October 26 was the last time that Barcelona tasted defeat in any competition – a 3-0 Champions League home loss to Bayern Munich – and since then they have put together a 13-game unbeaten run, including victories in each of their last eight matches.
Barcelona’s improvements in defence have been a significant factor behind their success in La Liga this season, keeping 14 clean sheets in 18 games and conceding only six goals in the process, with three of those conceded in the El Clasico loss to Real Madrid in mid-October.
The Catalan giants will be confident of securing maximum points at the Estadio Benito Villamain on Wednesday, as they have won eight of their last 10 away visits to Betis across all competitions, including their last five in a row in La Liga.
Team News
Real Betis’ only injury concern is with winger Juan Cruz, who has not played since early October due to a hamstring injury.
Nabil Fekir and Juanmi were fit to return to the substitutes’ bench last time out after recovering from muscle problems and they will be in contention for recalls to the starting lineup on Wednesday.
January signing Abner will be pushing to make his first home start at left-back ahead of Juan Miranda, while midfield lynchpins William Carvalho and Guido Rodriguez are set to continue in front of the back four.
As for Barcelona, Ousmane Dembele could be sidelined for at least three weeks after coming off in the 25th minute of the win over Girona with a thigh injury.
However, the Catalan giants can welcome back Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres from suspension and the attacking duo could be recalled to the first XI.
The likes of Pedri, Sergio Roberto and Jordi Alba, who all began on the bench against Girona, started in the Super Cup clash against Betis earlier this month and could be included from the opening whistle again on Wednesday.
Probabilities
| Real Betis (19.1%) | Draw (20.5) | Barcelona (60.3%) |
Prediction
| Real Betis 1-2 Barcelona |
Where to watch live match??
JK Sportz360 provides free live football streaming HD as well as live scores.
