Top-four-chasing Real Betis and Barcelona will square up this Saturday in the 35th round of the 2021/22 La Liga season.
Venue: Estadio Benito Villamarín (Sevilla)
Key Statistics
Real Betis are without a win in their last three league games (two draws and one loss).
The hosts have failed to score in three of their last league games.
They have outscored every side in the league except Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona are unbeaten in their last ten away games in all competitions (eight wins and two draws).
The visitors have scored in each of their last 16 away games in all competitions.
They are the only La Liga side yet to concede an away match opener within the first 15 minutes.
Head to head
Barcelona have won seven of the last ten meetings between both sides, while Real Betis have two wins in that period.
Latest performances in all competitions
Real Betis: D-W-L-D-W
Barcelona: W-L-W-L-L
Real Betis
Despite sealing their third Copa del Rey title in their 114-year history, Real Betis still have a lot to play for this season.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side are currently among the five teams jostling for the last three UCL spots. But they are lagging in the top-four race and with four matches to go, they come into this round on the back of a three-game winless run in the league.
They are currently sitting in fifth place after 34 games, three points behind Atletico Madrid and so are at real risk of falling out of Champions League contention.
The worst part of their recent wobbles have been that they have failed to score in their last three games. Even with Sevilla and Atletico Madrid dropping points, the ‘Verdiblancos’ have failed to take advantage.
They must quickly get over their cup final malaise and get their season back on track and avoid going more than three games without scoring a goal for the first time since January 2016.
Possible Real Betis starting line-up
Rui Silva; Youssouf Sabaly, German Pezzella, Edgar Gonzalez, Juan Miranda; Andres Guardado, William Carvalho; Juanmi Jimenez, Nabil Fekir, Sergio Canales; William Jose.
Injured: Martin Montoya
Doubtful: Victor Camarasa
Suspended: None
Barcelona
After losing three home games in a row, Barcelona bounced back last time out as they beat Mallorca 2-1.
The Catalan side, unlike their hosts, will finish the season empty-handed. But with at least 50 million euros at stake and a win required to confirm their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League, motivation won’t be in short supply in this game.
They come into this tie sitting in second, eight points ahead of their hosts. And given that they have the second-best away record in the league, they will fancy their chances of getting the win that will confirm their place in the UCL next season.
They have won their last five away league games, with three of those victories seeing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang open their scoring within 30 minutes. And so, another quick start from him could be a good omen for Bârca’s hopes of sealing a top-four finish.
Possible Barcelona starting line-up
Marc-Andre ter Stegen; Dani Alves, Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia, Jordi Alba; Gavi, Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong; Memphis Depay, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ferran Torres.
Injured: Gerard Pique, Nico Gonzalez, Pedri, Sergi Roberto, Sergino Dest, Moussa Wague
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Prediction
Real Betis 1-1 Barcelona
