The Blaugrana are currently two points clear of third-placed Sevilla, while Betis are three points behind fourth-placed Atletico Madrid.
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Barcelona will be aiming to consolidate their second spot in the La Liga standings when they travel to Seville on Saturday evening to take on Real Betis. The Blaugrana are currently two points clear of third-placed Sevilla, while Betis are three points behind fourth-placed Atletico Madrid in the race for the top-four finish. Betis are heading into the match on the back of a goalless draw against Getafe while prior that, they had defeated Valencia 5-4 on penalties to lift the 2022 Copa del Rey title. Meanwhile Barcelona are heading into the clash on the back of a 2-1 victory over Mallorca.
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Real Betis lifted only their third Copa del Rey title in history at Estadio de La Cartuja Betis took the lead through Borja Iglesias before Valencia equalised through Hugo Duro and the match went to extra-time and penalties since both sides failed to find the winner. All five Betis penalty-takers converted the spot-kick to lift the trophy. Now, Manuel Pellegrini’s side aims to secure a Champions League spot and with four games remaining, they are realistically in with a chance to clinch a top-four finish.
The Green and whites, who have not claimed a top-four spot in La Liga since 2005, have only collected just two points from their last three league games, last winning at Cadiz on April 9. Manuel Pellegrini’s side have won nine, drawn two and lost six of their 17 home league games this season to collect 29 points and they will host a Barcelona side who have the second-best away record in the league this term, having picked up 31 points from their 17 outings. Meanwhile Betis registered a 1-0 victory at Camp Nou, in the reverse fixture earlier this season, but they suffered a 3-2 loss when the two teams met in Seville last term.
Nobody would have predicted Barcelona to be second in the standings after the initial few weeks campaign because of all the on-the-field and off-the-field issues they were facing. However, the arrival of head coach Xavi in November has changed their fortunes and they are now fighting to become the second best team in Spain this term, with Real Madrid already sealed the title last week. The Catalan outfit have actually lost three of their last five games across all competitions but they will enter the contest off the back of a 2-1 win over Mallorca last week. Memphis Depay and Sergio Busquets netted at Camp Nou to secure all three points for the Blaugrana.
Real Betis could be without Marc Bartra, William Carvalho, Victor Camarasa and Martin Montoya on Saturday through injury, but Paul Akouokou is available again after suspension.Carvalho is fighting against time to get fit for the clash but is the doesn’t make it, Sergio Canales is expected to lineup in deep midfield role.
As for Barcelona, veteran centre-back Gerard Pique is unlikely to be involved due to injury he suffered against Mallorca last time out, so Eric Garcia will partner Ronal Araujo in the middle of the defence. Meanwhile Ansu Fati made his return off the bench last week and is slowly getting back to his best shape.
Real Betis possible starting lineup: Bravo, Sabaly, Pezzella, Ruiz, Moreno, Rodriguez, Canales, Ruibal, Fekir, Juanmi, Iglesias
Barcelona possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen, Alves, Araujo, Garcia, Alba, De Jong, Busquets, Gavi, Torres, Aubameyang, Depay
The La Liga battle between Real Betis and Barcelona will take place at Benito Villamarin and it will kick off at 12:30 am IST on Sunday, May 08.
The match will be live streamed Voot Select and JioTV. Meanwhile, football fans in India can also enjoy the action on TV networks, as the competition is telecast live on MTV, the flagship channel of Viacom18.
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