Overview
Barcelona have just gone through a difficult period when young star Lamine Yamal was injured. The absence of the EURO 2024 champion caused the system that coach Hansi Flick built to malfunction and could not create the same pressing intensity as at the beginning of the season.
As a result, Barcelona lost to Real Sociedad, Las Palmas and were held to a draw by Celta Vigo. However, luckily for the Catalan giants, Yamal returned.
In his first start since his injury, Yamal and his teammates defeated Mallorca 5-1 away. With all the best players, Barcelona is completely confident in their away match against Real Betis' Benito Villamarin. The home team is in poor form in La Liga this year, having failed to win in the last 4 rounds.
Real Betis' poor form has mostly come on away trips, with a record of 1 win, 3 draws and 4 losses. 12/18 of Real Betis's goals conceded have also come when they had to play away from home.
However, when playing at Benito Villamarin, Betis showed a completely different face. They only lost 1 match at home this season, the rest were 4 wins and 2 draws.
Therefore, although they are the higher rated team, Barcelona cannot underestimate Betis. They are very dangerous at home and promise to create many difficulties for Hansi Flick's team. However, with the stars in the squad, Barcelona will still know how to win.
Barcelona have won the last five meetings between the two sides in La Liga. At home, Betis have lost their last seven matches against Barcelona. They have not won a home La Liga match against the Catalans since March 2008.
Human resources situation
Betis are still struggling with a long list of absentees, including Nobel Mendy, Marc Roca, William Carvalho and Isco. Pablo Fornals will return, however.
On the other side of the front line, Barcelona also have a number of absent players such as Ansu Fati, Andreas Christensen and Marc-Andre ter Stegen. However, they have a much better squad depth than Betis.
Expected lineup:
Real Betis: Silva, Sabaly, Bartra, Llorente, Perraud, Guirao, Altimira, Fornals, Lo Celso, Ezzalzouli, Roque.
Barcelona: Pena, Kounde, Cubarsi, I. Martinez, Balde, Pedri, Casado, Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha, Lewandowski.
The match between Real Betis and Barcelona takes place at 22:15 on December 7 (Vietnam time).
