Rashford Ready to Dazzle as Barcelona Unleashes Star Power Against Real Betis
Following three straight home league matches at Camp Nou, Barcelona head south to face the impressive Real Betis at Estadio La Cartuja this Saturday afternoon.
Barcelona displayed their quality during significant portions of their 3–1 triumph over Atlético Madrid in their previous outing. However, the victory came with a price, as Dani Olmo suffered a shoulder dislocation that will sideline him for the remainder of the year.
Fermín López rejoined training sessions on Wednesday, though it may be premature for the academy product to start from the beginning. Flick must be inventive with his squad selection and adjust his formation to compensate for the absence of his sidelined attacking midfielders.
Pedri was substituted cautiously in the last match, but his removal appeared to stem from fatigue rather than another injury concern. With Frenkie de Jong available again, Barcelona can field their most formidable midfield partnership against a Betis team that remains unbeaten since the end of October.
Here's how Barcelona might set up against Real Betis as they pursue a sixth straight La Liga victory.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Real Betis (4-2-3-1)
GK: Joan García—Marc-André ter Stegen has returned to training, but the summer acquisition has established himself as the clear first choice goalkeeper with several outstanding displays this season.
RB: Jules Koundé—Koundé's difficulties this campaign are widely recognized, but he's coming off an encouraging performance against Atlético and will seek to build on that momentum as he works to recapture his peak form.
CB: Pau Cubarsí—The young defender has returned to his favored position as right center back. He must perform at his highest level or risk continuing his 2025–26 struggles on Saturday.
CB: Gerard Martín—Martín has transformed from a forgotten player to the answer for Barcelona's defensive concerns in just a few weeks. His successful conversion from left back to reliable center back represents one of Flick's finest discoveries this season.
LB: Alejandro Balde—Balde faces the challenge of neutralizing Antony in what promises to be an exciting individual duel. The Spanish defender has elevated his performances recently and possesses the ability to excel defensively while contributing to Barcelona's offensive play.
CM: Frenkie De Jong—An illness prevented De Jong from participating against Atlético Madrid. Now fully recovered, he'll resume his role as Barcelona's midfield foundation.
CM: Pedri—Barcelona transforms into a completely different side when Pedri takes the field. With his orchestration and leadership of the team, Barcelona can dominate matches against any opponent globally.
RW: Lamine Yamal—The brilliant Yamal has successfully completed eight or more dribbles in his previous three league appearances. Valentín Goméz must prepare himself because Yamal seems to have rediscovered his mesmerizing form.
AM: Raphinha—Raphinha will move into a central role to compensate for Barcelona's injured attacking midfielders. This isn't unfamiliar territory for him, having operated in this position early in the season and frequently with Brazil's national squad.
LW: Marcus Rashford—Raphinha's recovery from injury has pushed Rashford into a backup role, missing out on starting positions in the past four matches. He'll receive another opportunity on the left flank following a promising substitute appearance midweek, with the flexibility to switch positions with Raphinha to unsettle Betis's defensive structure.
ST: Ferran Torres—Robert Lewandowski appears to require some rest, and Torres, Barcelona's top scorer this season, will spearhead the attack on Saturday afternoon.
