Barcelona are aiming to strengthen their lead at the top of the table when they travel to the Estadio de La Cartuja for a Spanish La Liga fixture. The hosts are in good form at the moment, but often struggle against the Catalans.
Real Betis are showing some good form lately and are unbeaten in nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions. They claimed a 2-0 victory at Sevilla in their previous La Liga fixture and followed that up with a 4-1 triumph at Torrent in a Copa Del Rey clash.
Sitting fifth in the table, seven points off the top four, Real Betis will be keen to maintain their push for the Champions League places. Having been on the road in their last two matches, Manuel Pellegrini's men are back home, where they are unbeaten in their last four fixtures.
Barcelona were also victorious in their previous La Liga fixture, earning a 3-1 home win over Atletico Madrid. That was the fourth win in the last five matches for Hansi Flick's men.
The Catalans hold a one-point lead at the top of the table, and they will be keen to open a wider gap in the coming weeks. However, their away form needs some improvement, having picked up just one win from their last five matches on the road.
How the bookies view it: Barcelona overwhelming favourites
Barcelona have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 4/5 by Ladbrokes to claim the win. Real Betis are considered outsiders at 16/5 on bet365, who are also offering odds of 7/2 for a draw.
How the bookies view it: Barcelona on top
Barcelona have a 29-6 advantage, with 10 draws in the last 45 matches against Real Betis. Both teams battled to a 1-1 draw in their last meeting back in April.
Players to watch: Eyes on Torres
Ferran Torres will be the one to watch for Barcelona, having scored eight La Liga goals this season. The forward has also found the net six times in the last five matches against Real Betis and will be keen to maintain his scoring run (Ferran Torres anytime goalscorer – priced at 11/10 by bet365).
Cucho Hernandez is the leading scorer for Real Betis this season, having found the net five times in La Liga. The striker could be worth keeping an eye on (Cucho Hernandez anytime goalscorer – valued at 21/10 by Paddy Power).
Backed a player to find the net? Check our Goalscorer Betting guide to see how the markets work and where to find value.
Probable line-ups:
Isco remains a long-term injury absentee for Real Betis, while Hector Bellerin and Giovanni Lo Celso are also ruled out. Antony is expected to return from suspension, while Marc Bartra should continue at the back.
Dani Olmo suffered a shoulder injury in the win over Atletico Madrid and is ruled out for Barcelona. Fermin Lopez and Gavi are also sidelined, but Torres is expected to start on Saturday.
Real Betis: Valles, Gomez, Natan, Bartra, Ruibal, Altimira, Roca, Ezzalzouli, Fornals, Antony, Hernandez.
Barcelona: Garcia, Kounde, Cubarsi, Garcia, Balde, Casado, Pedri, Yamal, Raphinha, Torres.
Anything else catch the eye?
Five of the last six matches between Real Betis and Barcelona have produced over 3.5 goals – available at 10/11 on William Hill. Barcelona have scored in both halves in four of their last five matches (Barcelona to score in both halves – offered at 6/5 by bet365).
Barcelona have led at the break in three of their last five matches (Barcelona halftime win – set at odds of 5/4 by William Hill).
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