Real Betis vs Barcelona Prediction: La Liga Match on 01.02.2023

La Liga leaders Barcelona will be looking to press home their advantage at the top of the table when they travel to the Benito Villamarin to face Real Betis on Wednesday, with kickoff slated for 10:00 GMT.

    

Unbeaten in their last five assignments in La Liga and enjoying a 5-point advantage ahead of second-placed Real Madrid, Xavi’s charges will seek to take home the three points they need to give their title charge a shot in the arm.

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The inconsistent Real Betis will look to bloody the pacesetters’ noses as Manuel Pellegrini’s men seek a way back into contention for the top four.

Key Highlights

Real Betis’ Inconsistency in La Liga

Manuel Pellegrini’s charges picked up two wins, a draw, and two defeats in their most recent five La Liga outings. This hot-and-cold form highlights their challenge this season as they look to challenge for a Champions League spot.

Betis are currently just 3 points behind fourth-placed Atletico Madrid, which means they have a good chance of making it into a Champions League-qualifying position if they are consistent.

Manuel Pellegrini will be looking to get a good performance from his charges when the Blaugrana come to town on Wednesday.

Barcelona’s Good Run of Form

Xavi’s men have picked up form in the post-World Cup re-start in La Liga. They have won their last three matches in La Liga and extended their lead at the top to 5 points ahead of Los Blancos.

Barcelona will be looking to maintain or extend this lead when they travel to face a strong Real Betis side. Xavi will be hoping that his side will leverage their recent form and let their quality shine through.

However, the Blaugrana will be forced to work for their points against Betis, who, on their day, can be a good side. The inconsistency of Pellegrini’s side means that Xavi and his men will not know which side they are going to get on Wednesday.

Injury Report

Real Betis

Manuel Pellegrini will be without attacking midfielder Nabil Fekir from this crunch fixture against Barcelona. The 29-year-old is nursing a muscle injury and has been sidelined since January 16th. Having already missed three matches, the club’s medical department has set no return date.

Real Betis are also facing two suspension absences: right-back Martín Montoya and center-forward Loren Morón.

Barcelona

Xavi will be sweating on the forced absence of right winger Ousmane Dembélé. The 25-year-old French international has been nursing a hamstring injury since January 29th. Tentative projections indicate that he will be back available on March 13th.

This is a major blow to Xavi and the Balugrana, as the pacey winger has been instrumental in their good form in recent matches. 

    

Possible Lineups

Real Betis

R. Silva; J. Miranda, L. Felipe, G. Pezzella, Y. Sabaly; W. Carvalho, G. Rodriguez; L. H, Rodri, S. Canales; B. Iglesias

Barcelona

M. ter Stegen; M. Alonso, E. Garcia, R. Araujo, J. Kounde; F. de Jong, S. Busquets, Gavi; A. Fati, R. Lewandowski, Raphinha

Prediction

Real Betis will employ a disciplined approach based upon a tight defensive structure designed to minimize the spaces and prevent Barcelona from penetrating between the lines. They will also look to attack Barcelona’s high line through quick breaks behind the defense.

Barcelona will stick to their possession-based style by dominating the ball and dictating the match’s tempo. Fullbacks will push higher up the pitch, and the high line will allow the Balugrana to squeeze Betis and help the press.

Barcelona will continue their good run of form by winning this match and taking the three points on offer. 

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