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Real Betis pay Barcelona a visit this Saturday, although the game will be played at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys rather than Camp Nou which is being redeveloped. It’s a 21:00 kick-off local time, meaning the La Liga action will start at 20:00 in the UK.
Barcelona vs Real Betis predicted lineups and news
Contents
Barcelona are 3rd in La Liga heading into this matchday with just two dropped points so far this term. It has been a solid start to their title defence but they still trail Real Madrid by 2 points heading into the weekend.
Real Betis are 3 points further back in 7th but will also be relatively happy with their start to the season. They’ll be hoping to upset the Catalans in a game that will be shown live on LaLiga TV and Viaplay in the UK.
Team news: Barcelona
Barcelona were 2-1 winners at Osasuna in their last match with Robert Lewandowski settling the game with an 86th minute penalty. The real story from a Barca perspective so far this season has been 16 year old Lamine Yamal who was outstanding in the 7-goal thriller against Villarreal and enjoyed a record breaking international break with Spain.
Xavi may keep faith in Lamine Yamal again here, unless he decides to take the precocious talent out of the limelight for a weekend with plenty of big games ahead where he could prove useful.
The hosts are still missing Pedri to injury which is a significant blow in midfield while Ronald Araujo remains a doubt and may not be ready to feature until later this month. Xavi is expected to hand a first start to Joao Cancelo at right back after the Portuguese international moved on loan from Manchester City.
Barcelona predicted lineup
Ter Stegen, Balde, Christensen, Kounde, Cancelo, De Jong, Romeu, Gundogan, Gavi, Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal
Team news: Real Betis
Real Betis have done pretty well this season with the exception of a horrendous hour in Bilbao where they let a 2-0 lead slip to lose 4-2. They’ve only let in one other goal but the club has since angered coach Manuel Pellegrini by selling first choice centre-back Luiz Felipe to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad after the European transfer window had closed.
The Chilean described the decision as “irresponsible” as it leaves him with just two senior central defenders to pick from. One of those is Marc Bartra who should make his second Real Betis debut here after returning from a spell in Turkey with Trabzonspor.
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2⃣7⃣ pic.twitter.com/kxG9jswiXj— Real Betis Balompié (@RealBetis_en) September 14, 2023
The visitors are still missing long-term absentee Nabil Fekir and Andres Guardado. They also have doubts over Claudio Bravo, William Carvalho, Youssouf Sabaly and Aitor Ruibal ahead of this game while Abde Ez is pushing for a debut against his old club after joining Betis from Barca at the end of August.
Real Betis predicted lineup
Silva, Miranda, Pezzella, Bartra, Sabaly, Roca, Guido Rodriguez, Ayoze Perez, Isco, Luiz Henrique, Willian Jose
Will Joao Felix play?
Joao Felix was a big name late arrival at Barcelona in the transfer window but he faces a battle just to get into the starting eleven.
Spanish youngsters Lamine Yamal and Gavi are likely to operate either side of Robert Lewandowski here with Raphinha also an option. As a result, Joao Felix may have to settle for a place on the bench but he should come on for his home debut.
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