By Ian King
Purple scorching kind in each dressing rooms
Barcelona, it appears cheap to say, are again. They’d a little bit of a catastrophe between the center of November and the center of January, profitable simply certainly one of their eight league matches, however aside from that they’ve dropped simply three factors all season in LaLiga and are presently on a run of 9 straight wins within the league. And they’re unbeaten throughout 21 video games in all competitions for the reason that flip of the 12 months.
Actual Betis are going fairly nicely themselves too, although. After an inconsistent season, they’ve now gained six in a row, together with 2-1 wins towards Actual Madrid AND arch-rivals Sevilla.
Historical past
Maybe predictably, Barcelona have a big historic higher hand on this specific match up. Betis haven’t gained on this fixture since December 2021, after they gained 2-1 at Camp Nou. The 2 sides have already met twice this season. Within the league, the 2 sides drew 2-2 at Estadio Benito Villamarín in December, with a stoppage-time equaliser rescuing some extent for the house aspect. Considerably ominously for the guests, in addition they met at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in January within the Copa Del Rey, with Barcelona profitable 5-1.
Key gamers
The extent to which Actual Betis have an uphill job on Saturday evening is maybe finest illustrated by the truth that each Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres have scored in every of their final three matches. Put merely, the attacking menace come from everywhere.
Actual Betis function a few names that will likely be acquainted to Premier League watchers, however that which actually stands out is Antony, who was loaned from Manchester United throughout the January switch window and who’s scored 4 occasions and run up 4 assists since. His worth to the squad is maybe finest summed up by the membership captain Isco suggesting that “We’ve got to crowdfund so he can keep not less than one other 12 months.” Excessive reward, from such an achieved participant.
Group Information
Andreas Christensen has been out of the Barcelona group for the reason that finish of January however could possibly be making his return on this match. Marc Bernal, Marc-André ter Stegen, Marc Casado and Dani Olmo stay longer-term absences. The massive absentee for Actual Betis is Marc Roca, who injured his foot towards Actual Sociedad in February and is unlikely to return earlier than the tip of this season.
Prediction
Actual Betis are of their finest type of the season, and so they gained’t be ruling themselves out of the chase for a Champions League place till it’s mathematically inconceivable. However Barcelona are good. They’re the most effective groups in Europe in the mean time, and regardless that Betis are sixth within the desk, Barca have scored greater than twice as many targets as they’ve. This needs to be a cushty night for the league leaders, so a 3-0 residence win feels about proper.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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