Match Preview : Real Betis VS Barça

Match Preview : Real Betis VS Barça – La Liga

The team has had a few days off, and now we’re back in action this Saturday afternoon. Live from the Estadio La Cartuja in Seville, at 6:30pm local time, it’s Barça vs Real Betis. Now usually, when we face Betis, it would be at the iconic Estadio Benito Villmarin, however similarly to Barça, they’re stadium is going under a renovation, so for the time being, they’re temporary home is at the equally as iconic Estadio La La Cartuja. A place that we are very familiar with over the years, after winning last seasons Copa Del Rey there in dramatic fashion against Real Madrid.

In terms of Betis, they are always a tough test especially away from home. So lets jump straight into the preview!

A Quick Look at our opponent:

Real Betis are a staple top tier Spanish side, and over the last few years under Manuel Pellegrini, they have established themselves easily as a top half table team. They’re currently fighting in the Europa League, after sadly losing last seasons Conference League final to Chelsea. But have consecutively fought for the European spots in La Liga for some time now.

They have some great players within their squad who can easily cause us damage. One of their most beloved signings over recent years, Antony, is one of their talismans and will look to cause us some problems. As well as a familiar face in Abde Ezzalzouli on the left hand side, formerly of Barcelona. It’s granted hat they might not carry as much experience as Betis teams of old, but they’re a side that like to attack. They like to have the ball and won’t be a team, especially in front of their home fans, that will sit back and invite us on to them. We will definitely have to be near our best to get a result. When you look at the table, it explains how impressive they have been so far this season. And backs up the point of how they are consistently fighting for the European spots. Currently sitting in 5th place, 13 points off of top spot. Scoring 22 goals and conceding only 14. Defensively, they have let in fewer than Barça, but not surprisingly we have scored double the amount of goals Betis have.

Predicted lineup:

When it comes to our lineup for the game, I really can’t see it being any different from the team that started in midweek against Atleti. The only changes we could see will be forced. Dani Olmo, unfortunately dislocated his shoulder right after scoring the winning goal agasint Atleti. So he will be out of action for at least a month. And that’s a real shame; as he has been gaining form over recent game and now he’s out again.

Fermin has been declared fit for tonight’s game which is not only great news, but it’s also perfect timing due to Olmo’s injury. And Frenkie will be back too. With Hansi Flick confirming that he’s ready to start against Real Betis after recovering from the flu. We’re getting closer and closer to getting a fully fit squad back, but who knows how long we will have that luxury for, especially given the amount of games still to play this season. But, for tonight’s game I would imagine Flick will go strong.

It will be nice to see Roony and Bernal grab some game time tonight, with a keen eye on giving rest to Yamal, Pedri and Raphinha near the end of the game as those 3 in particular need to be taken care of.