Betis Ready to Battle Barcelona: Key Matchups, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

A string of five straight wins has placed Barcelona firmly at the summit of La Liga, but maintaining that position requires avoiding any slip-ups in their weekend encounter with Real Betis on Saturday afternoon.

Barcelona delivered one of their finest performances this campaign during the week, overcoming Atlético Madrid 3–1 at Camp Nou. With Pedri and Raphinha returning to action, Hansi Flick's squad is finding its rhythm and hoping their early-season struggles are now behind them.

Real Betis presents a formidable obstacle, however. Manuel Pellegrini's team currently occupies fifth place and remains undefeated across their previous eight matches in all tournaments. Following their triumph in the Seville derby against their city rivals, Los Verdiblancos are eager to topple Barcelona on home soil in La Liga for the first time since the 2007–08 campaign.

The match will take place at Estadio La Cartuja due to ongoing renovations at Betis' regular home venue. This marks Barcelona's return to La Cartuja since their Copa del Rey final victory over Real Madrid last April.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of this La Liga encounter.

What Time Does Real Betis vs. Barcelona Kick-Off?

Real Betis vs. Barcelona Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

Current Form (All Competitions)

How to Watch Real Betis vs. Barcelona on TV

Real Betis Team News

Manuel Pellegrini's squad is in high spirits after their triumph over arch-rivals Sevilla and will welcome back Antony following his one-game ban served during last weekend's derby.

However, Betis will miss several crucial midfield players including Sofyan Amrabat and Isco, who sustained injuries in a collision with each other, along with former Barcelona fullback Héctor Bellerín.

Despite Bellerin's absence, two ex-Barça stars will be motivated to shine on Saturday. Marc Bartra will anchor Betis's defensive line while Ez Abde could pose serious problems for Flick's defense if they persist with their vulnerable high defensive line.

Former MLS star Cucho Hernández has enjoyed an encouraging beginning to his second Spanish campaign and will spearhead the attack at La Cartuja.

Real Betis Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona (4-2-3-1)

Real Betis predicted lineup vs. Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Valles; Ruibal, Bartra, Natan, Gómez; Roca, Altamira; Antony, Fornals, Abde; Hernández.

Barcelona Team News

The absences of Dani Olmo and Fermín López will compel Flick to utilize a player in an unfamiliar position to fill the attacking midfield void. Raphinha appears the most probable candidate, allowing Marcus Rashford to slot into his preferred left-wing position.

In the center of the park, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong may feature together for the first time since El Clásico in late October, rekindling their midfield combination for Barcelona.

Gerard Martín's recent outstanding development as a central defender secures him another starting berth, providing Eric García, who has accumulated the most playing time of any Barcelona player this season, with some deserved rest.

In attack, Ferran Torres is expected to lead the front line after a couple of disappointing displays from Robert Lewandowski.

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Real Betis

Barcelona predicted lineup vs. Real Betis (4-2-3-1): García; Koundé, Cubarsí, Martín, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Raphinha, Rashford; Torres.

Real Betis vs. Barcelona Score Prediction

These two clubs produced an absolutely thrilling encounter when Barcelona traveled to Real Betis last season. Considering both teams' current momentum, a remarkably similar storyline could unfold for Saturday's fixture.

Barcelona possess sufficient attacking talent to trouble Betis' defensive structure, but their own backline remains equally vulnerable against Pellegrini's confident offensive unit.

The result of this match may well hinge on individual brilliance, with numerous players on the field capable of conjuring a moment of magic from nothing.

Ultimately, Barcelona might just manage to claim all three points in a thrilling encounter that could potentially be settled in the final moments.

Prediction: Real Betis 2–3 Barcelona