Barcelona will host Real Sociedad at home as they look make the semi-finals of the Copa Del Rey. The Blaugrana ended their hoodoo of a run of poor results by winning at the Anoeta and will be the favourites to see out the game and maybe add more shine to the aggregate scoreline. The rest of the team has to raise their game and support Messi, who has again been brilliant this season.
Messi’s late goal gave them a slight edge going into the 2nd leg and they would be desperate to get the job done here. It is looking highly doubtful whether they can topple Real Madrid at the top of the table in the League and Copa Dey Rey might be a viable route to avoiding a trophy-less season.
They have already played out 5 draws this season along with two defeats, something we have stopped associating with Barcelona. But with the teams at the top capable of defeating each other this season, the Nou Camp outfit can’t really afford to have any bad results regardless of the competition.
Luis Enrique will want to avoid any slip-ups, so he could stick to a pretty strong lineup for the Cup game.
PREDICTED BARCELONA XI VS REAL BETIS (4-3-3)
DEFENCE
Ter Stegen will be in goal. The German hasn’t been in the best of form and needs to step up now. His passing has been suspect at times and along with that his shot-stopping skills have taken a beating. He needs to be more assertive. Sergi Roberto will be at right-back. The winger has the backing of the manager but needs to cut down on his errors. Gerard Pique’s return has given them a huge boost and he will be marshalling the back four along with Samuel Umtiti. Jordi Alba will be at left-back and will look to stamp more of his authority on the game.
MIDFIELD
Andres Iniesta is unlikely to be fit for this one and will miss the match. Along with him, Sergio Busquets is also a doubt. That will probably see Andre Gomes in a withdrawn role and Ivan Rakitic and Arda Turan in a midfield 3.
ATTACK
Neymar will look to enhance his end product which has deserted him lately and although his link up play has been good, a goal or two will give him some much-needed confidence. Lionel Messi will be on the opposite flank on the right side while Luis Suarez will be leading the line.
