Barcelona notched up a dominant win against Lyon in their last match in the Champions League round of 16 as they took the opposition defence to the sword and scored five goals to show for their efforts. They will look to keep their winning run intact when they take on Real Betis in the next match in La Liga.
However, it would not be an easy outing for the Blaugrana, and they would be wary of the result. The last time these two sides met, the visitors imposed a shock 4-3 win over the league leaders and would look to do the same as they lock horns with Barcelona in their own backyard.
Team News
It comes as a big blow for Ernesto Valverde that winger Ousmane Dembele is out with a hamstring injury for at least a month. He will not be a part of the Barcelona lineup for the next match. Other than him, the reigning La Liga champions don’t have any major injuries to deal with at the moment. Long term absentees Thomas Vermaelen and Rafinha are also set to miss the next match.
Goalkeeper
Marc Andre Ter Stegen is set to start in goal for Barcelona. He had a good outing against Lyon, conceding only one goal over the two legs in the round of 16 matchup and will look to keep a clean sheet in the next match against Betis.
Defence
Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet would start in the heart of the defence in the next match. They would be accompanied by Sergi Roberto from the right-hand side of the backline. Jordi Alba would put in a shift in the left back position.
Midfield
Ivan Rakitic would start in the heart of the pitch alongside Arthur. Sergio Busquets, who had a good game against Lyon in the last match, would start right behind the duo in the defensive midfielder role.
Attack
In the absence of Dembele, Philippe Coutinho is expected to start in the role of the wide attacker on the left-hand side. This could come as a big opportunity for the Brazilian to prove his mettle amidst the severe criticism that he has faced since his arrival at Nou Camp.
Lionel Messi had a tremendous match against Lyon with two goals and two assists to his name and would look to put in another strong shift against Real Betis as he starts from the right in the wide attacking role. Luis Suarez will lead the line for Barcelona.
Predicted Formation: 4-3-3
