Best Odds: 2/1
Bookmaker:
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
