Barcelona sits pretty on the top of the table in La Liga at the moment and next they will take on Real Betis at Camp Nou. The Catalan giants secured a draw against Inter Milan in the midweek clash which suits them well as they continue to lead their Champions League group. With Real Madrid currently out of the picture in the title race, Barcelona can open up a substantial gap at the top of the table if they continue their winning run.
However, Barcelona does need to tighten up their defence as they have been found wanting at the back of late and it is the performance of their forwards and goalkeeper which have kept them in this position. On the other hand, Betis are sitting on the 14th spot and on paper, Barcelona should seal all three points from this game.
Team News
Valverde announced that Lionel Messi could be available for the Inter Milan tie but the manager didn’t take the unnecessary risk of bringing him early, and even though the talismanic man travelled to Italy with the team, he wasn’t included in the squad. However, we expect him to start on the bench at least in this home tie. Samuel Umtiti and Thomas Vermaelen continue to be absent.
Barcelona Predicted lineup vs Real Betis
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Marc Andre Ter Stegen is a definite starter in goal, and along with the forwards, he had played a significant role in keeping Barcelona in games with his heroic saves. With Umtiti out, the defence almost picks itself as Clement Lenglet and Gerard Pique continue to start as a pair in the heart of the defence. In testing times, they have failed to keep it tight at the back as Barcelona currently have the worst defensive record among any of the top 5 clubs.
Down the left, Jordi Alba is a nailed on starter, and the versatile Sergi Roberto should start down the right.
Midfield
Sergio Busquets will start in his usual defensive midfield role and the onus would be on him once again to control the game. We expect Arturo Vidal to be given a start in midfield after Arthur played in the midweek game against the Italian giants. The Croatian Ivan Rakitic should complete a very potent and formidable midfield three.
Attack
It could be touch and go with Lionel Messi but the fact that he failed to be even on the bench in the midweek game means we shouldn’t expect him to start. Therefore Malcom should be given a go in this weekend’s game after he scored the all-important goal against Milan. His confidence should be high, and Valverde should back him with a start at home against a side which is struggling currently. Philippe Coutinho should keep his place down the left flank. The current top scorer of the La Liga- Luis Suarez, should once again lead the line for his side.
