After a successful week, securing a win against Girona in La Liga and advancing to the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid, Barcelona will host Real Betis this Saturday. Barcelona currently leads La Liga with a three-point advantage over Real Madrid, while Atletico Madrid lags nine points behind, making their title chances slim with only nine games remaining.
Barcelona`s coach is expected to rotate the squad in anticipation of their Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday. Real Betis, currently sixth in the league, are aiming for a Champions League spot, sitting six points behind fourth place. Both Barcelona and Real Betis have won their last six La Liga matches.
Barcelona will miss several players due to injury, including Dani Olmo, Marc Casado, Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen. However, Lamine Yamal is likely to be in the starting lineup. Here’s a match preview with viewing information and betting odds:
Match Details and Betting Odds
- Date: Saturday, April 5
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio Lluis Companys — Barcelona, Spain
- Live stream: ESPN+
- Odds: FC Barcelona -280; Draw +425; Real Betis +650
Previous Encounter
The last match between Barcelona and Real Betis was on January 15 in the Copa del Rey, where Barcelona won 5-1. In their La Liga match in Seville earlier in the season, the game ended in a 2-2 draw, with Real Betis scoring a late equalizer.
Barcelona`s Perspective
Ahead of the game, Barcelona`s coach mentioned in a press conference that they anticipate a challenging match and need to perform at their best. He praised the Real Betis coach`s experience and ability to improve players, using Antony`s improved performance at Real Betis compared to Manchester United as an example. He also expressed confidence in his team`s belief and determination to compete for all possible titles.
Projected Lineups
FC Barcelona: Wojciech Szczesny; Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Alejandro Balde; Pedri, Frankie De Jong; Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Robert Lewandowski.
Real Betis: Adrian; Youssouf Sabaly, Marc Bartra, Diego Llorente, Ricardo Rodriguez; Johnny Cardoso, Pablo Fornals; Antony, Giovani Lo Celso, Jesus Rodriguez; Cucho Hernandez.
Key Player Spotlight
Antony, Real Betis – The on-loan Real Betis winger, formerly of Manchester United, has found renewed form in Spain under his current manager. He has contributed two goals and two assists in eight La Liga appearances, highlighting potential difficulties for players to thrive at Manchester United currently. This match against Barcelona presents a significant opportunity for him to showcase his abilities.
Key Storyline
Szczesny`s Future at Barcelona? Barcelona are reportedly considering extending goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny`s contract beyond the current season. Despite initial retirement plans after leaving Juventus in summer 2024, Szczesny signed with Barcelona following Marc ter Stegen`s injury in September and has impressed the club, leading to discussions about a new deal.
Match Prediction
Given Real Betis`s current form, Barcelona might face a tough challenge. However, a narrow victory for Barcelona is anticipated.
Prediction: FC Barcelona 2, Real Betis 1.
Dominic Ashworth