Prediction: Barcelona vs Real Betis

Verdict: Barcelona win & Both teams to score

Best Odds: 2/1

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Looking to mark their return from the international break with a flurry in Catalonia, Barcelona will host Real Betis on Saturday night.

Barcelona

Starting with the hosts, making real history last season as they got their hands on a first La Liga crown since 2019, Barcelona have once again come flying out of the traps this time around. Last seen heading into the international break with a lively 2-1 win away at Osasuna, it appears that the mood in Xavi’s camp remains at a red-hot high. With their sights firmly set on defending their domestic title, the Spanish heavyweights will be looking to carry on from where they left off earlier in the month. With their eye-catching start to the 2023/24 campaign underlined by an action-packed 4-3 victory against Villarreal on August 27th, Barca have now won each of their previous three La Liga appearances. Really enjoying a free-scoring run in the final third and notching eight strikes on that three-match winning run, Xavi’s side will be looking to lay down another marker on Saturday night.

Team News

Finding the net while on international duties with Spain this month, 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal will once again partner attacking talisman and former Bayern Munich record-breaker Robert Lewandowski in the final third. Summer arrival Ilkay Gundogan will join Frenkie de Jong at the heart of Xavi’s midfield.

However, still dealing with a recent muscle injury, Barcelona are once again sweating over the fitness of midfield star Pedri. Likewise, Xavi’s side have confirmed that they will be without Uruguayan international Ronald Araujo.

Real Betis

As for the visitors, while Real Betis might have eventually been disappointed after missing out on a famous Champions League ticket, Manuel Pellegrini’s men did gain a string of plaudits. Although Los Verderones might have suffered an action-packed 4-2 loss at the hands of Athletic Bilbao on August 27th, the one-time Manchester City boss saw his side come roaring back last time out. Last seen heading into September’s international break with a gritty 1-0 victory at home against Rayo Vallecano, the Seville-based outfit will be hoping to spring a heavyweight upset this weekend. However, knowing that they face a stern examination when they travel to Catalonia on Saturday night, Betis should be worried by their most recent meeting against the reigning Spanish champions. When the two sides last met back on April 29th, Pellegrini’s side suffered a routine 4-0 drumming on the road.

Team News

Bagging the winner against Rayo Vallecano prior to September’s international break and now notching three strikes in his opening four appearances, the red-hot William Jose will lead Betis’ charge here.

However, dealing with a lengthy injury list, Pellegrini’s side will once again be unable to call upon the likes of Luiz Henrique, Claudio Bravo and Portugal international William Carvalho. Ex-Real Madrid superstar Isco will once again start in Betis’ midfield after an eye-catching start to life in Seville.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met back on April 29th, Barcelona cruised their way to a 4-0 romp on home soil.
• The reigning La Liga champions have lost just one other previous 10 meetings against Saturday’s guests across all competitions.
• Likewise, Barca have suffered just a single loss against Real Betis in Catalonia since way back in August 2005.
• Continuing on from last season, Los Verderones have won just a trio of their previous eight La Liga showdowns.
• William Jose has notched three strikes in his opening four La Liga appearances so far this season.

Conclusion

While Real Betis might have entered September’s international break with a gritty 1-0 victory against Rayo Vallecano, Saturday’s guests will know that they face a real examination here. Watching the reigning Spanish champions head into the fortnight interval in the midst of a three-match winning run, Barcelona should also be excited by a stellar record against the top-six contenders. Landing a routine 4-0 romp when they last welcomed Betis to Catalonia back on April 29th, it should be noted that Xavi’s side have also suffered just a single defeat against Los Verderones since way back in August 2005.

Verdict: Barcelona win & Both teams to score

Best Odds: 2/1

Bookmaker: Dachbet