Real Betis vs Barcelona

Estadio Benito Villamarin is the venue as Real Betis and Barcelona go head-to-head in a top-five La Liga six-pointer.

Despite lifting their third Copa del Rey title only recently, Betis are still struggling with inconsistent La Liga showings, as witnessed by their ongoing three-game winless league run (D2, L1). ‘Los Verdiblancos’ may not be enjoying the most encouraging spell of form, yet they are only three points below fourth-placed Atletico Madrid, meaning they have a lot to play for in the remainder of the season. Betis eked out a 1-0 win at Camp Nou in the reverse fixture and could complete their first-ever league double over Barcelona. That alone should bolster the home side’s confidence that could be shattered by an indifferent four-game La Liga home form (W2, L2). Any hope of achieving a historic feat against the Catalan powerhouse will hinge on a fast start, with Betis going winless in eight of their nine home league games in which they conceded first this season (D2, L6).

In the meantime, Barcelona’s keenly-contested 2-1 home triumph over Mallorca last time out has extended their topsy-turvy form that witnessed them alternate between victories (3) and defeats (2) across their five previous league matches. However, the ‘Blaugrana’ have been nothing if not consistent away from home, going unbeaten in 13 La Liga consecutive travels (W8, D5), including victories in the last five. Before overcoming Real Sociedad 1-0 in their most recent league trip, Barcelona had netted 2+ goals in five successive away league fixtures, suggesting another high-scoring contest in Andalusia could be on the cards. Indeed, the last three La Liga meetings between Betis and Barcelona at Benito Villamarin have seen both sides score in matches garnering five total goals.