Prediction: Barcelona win
Best Odds: 12/19
Bookmaker: 888sport
La Liga is back in our lives once again this week with a whole host of fixtures for fans and pundits alike to sink their teeth into. We’re just about half way through the campaign right now and, as if it wasn’t obvious enough already, there’s a whole lot left to figure out between now and May. Today, we’ll take a look at what should be an entertaining clash of styles with Real Betis playing host to Barcelona on Wednesday.
Real Betis
From winning trophies to bringing through world class stars, it’s safe to say Real Betis are doing a pretty good job of rebuilding their brand in recent years. They are beginning to resemble a team that could one day make a push for the title but at the very least, they are European prospects, and the fact they can represent Spanish football on that kind of stage is a huge testament to the operation in place at the club.
Team News
Cruz is set to miss out through injury with Juanmi and Fekir being tipped to return to the starting XI after time away.
Barcelona
A whole lot of factors have gone into ensuring that Barcelona slowly but surely build themselves back up. While there are still so, so many questions to be answered about their longevity, there is simply no denying the impact Xavi has been able to have. They are top of the La Liga table and while there’s still a long way to go, they look to be restoring the pride of this first team far quicker than anyone anticipated.
Team News
Dembele is expected to be out for upwards of three weeks for the visitors but Lewandowski and Torres are both expected to return.
Factors to Consider
- Real Betis are 6th in La Liga whereas Barcelona are 1st.
- Real Betis have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
- Barcelona have won five and drawn one of their last six games.
- Real Betis have scored 11 goals and conceded seven in their last six games.
- Barcelona have scored 13 goals and conceded three in their last six games.
Conclusion
Betis serve as stiff opposition for just about anyone in Spanish football but in this instance, we expect Barcelona to be too strong for them in just about every regard. They’re so slick on the ball and every movement they make comes off, with Betis actually being the only ones to hold them in their last six games – with that being in the Super Cup. We’re backing a narrow Barca win here to keep them top.
Prediction: Barcelona win
Best Odds: 12/19
Bookmaker: 888sport
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