Real Betis vs Barcelona Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Spanish Primera
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THE FACTS
When is Real Betis vs Barcelona on and what time does it start? Real Betis vs Barcelona will take place on Sunday 21st January, 2024 – 17:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Real Betis vs Barcelona? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Real Betis vs Barcelona on in the UK? Real Betis vs Barcelona will be televised live on LaLigaTV, but La Liga matches are also televised occasionally on Viaplay Sports and ITV
Where can I stream Real Betis vs Barcelona in the UK? Real Betis vs Barcelona can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
REAL BETIS
Financial constraints are currently placed upon the vast majority of Spain’s top-flight but Real Betis are a team that have dealt admirably with it, consistently finishing in the top six or seven and earning European qualification. Now, though, after a long unbeaten run of form through the autumn months, they are beginning to struggle with a tight squad.
Under the management of former Manchester City and Real Madrid boss Manuel Pellegrini, Real Betis begin the match day sitting just outside of the top six but coming into this one on the back of a much-needed victory as they defeated Andalusian rivals and strugglers Granada by a goal to nil in their most recent outing, last weekend.
BARCELONA
The pressure on Xavi is growing with Barcelona, once again, underwhelming in midweek with the defending Spanish champions now in danger of slipping out of the top four and ensuring UEFA Champions League qualification is their priority. Results have not been great for Barca but their performances have actually been a lot worse than that.
They come into this on the back of having to come from behind to defeat third-tier Unionistas de Salamanca by three goals to one in the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey in midweek. That followed on from being thrashed 4-1 by arch-rivals Real Madrid in the final of the Supercopa de Espana in Saudi Arabia, last weekend.
THE TEAM NEWS
REAL BETIS
Chadi Riad, Youssouf Sabaly and Abde Ez are all away at the Africa Cup of Nations and they also have some key injury absentees such as Hector Bellerin and Ayoze Perez.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Silva; Busto, Pezzella, Sokratis, Abner; Roca, Altimira; Luiz Henrique, Isco, Fekir; Willian Jose
UNAVAILABLE: Riad (International duty), Sabaly (International duty), Abde Ez (International duty), Ruibal (Injured), Perez (Injured), Bellerin (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Miranda (Injured), Rodriguez (Injured), Bravo (Injured), Bartra (Injured)
BARCELONA
Marc-Andre ter Stegen is missing through injury, alongside both Gavi and Raphinha. Defensive trio Joao Cancelo, Inigo Martinez and Marcos Alonso are all also doubtful for this weekend.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Pena; Araujo, Kounde, Christensen, Balde; Gundogan, De Jong; Torres, Pedri, Yamal; Lewandowski
UNAVAILABLE: Raphinha (Injured), Gavi (Injured), ter Stegen (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Cancelo (Injured), Martinez (Injured), Alonso (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis have, as mentioned, done well to even stay in touch with the top six given their financial resources and workload. They are now missing a couple of more key players and also lost Andres Guardado to Club Leon in midweek. They do face, though, a Barcelona side that are really underwhelming and appear beatable for almost any competent opposition with a bit of quality. Down in Andalusia, Betis haven’t been that thrilling to watch this season and Barca are lacking much fluency so a fairly frustrating watch for the neutral is to be expected at the Benito Villamarin.
TIP: UNDER 2.5 GOALS
