Real Betis vs Barcelona match preview and predictions for Sunday’s LaLiga match. Read on for the head-to-head, team news and predicted lineups as two sides who endured contrasting experiences in the cup in midweek clash.
- DATE: Sunday February 7th 2021
- KICK-OFF: 21:00 (local time)
- STADIUM: Benito Villamarin
- COMPETITION: LaLiga
Real Betis vs Barcelona Preview
Two sides who were involved in late drama in the Copa del Rey in midweek meet in what could be an entertaining Sunday night game in LaLiga. Real Betis suffered late heartbreak and will have to pick themselves up as they go again here with their third match at the Benito Villamarin in the space of seven days. Barcelona meanwhile will be feeling positive having pulled off a fine comeback win at Granada.
Betis were just a minute away from beating Athletic in their tie and reaching the last four before Raul Garcia’s header sent the match into Extra Time and ultimately penalties. The cup dream is over for another season as a result but they are still in a good position in the league and they have a chance to kick on and target European qualification.
They’ve taken 10 points from their last 4 league games and are unbeaten in 2021 in all competitions besides that shootout loss on Thursday. It would be an exaggeration to say that Betis now fully convince but they do boast genuine quality and players like Sergio Canales and Nabil Fekir who could make this tough for Barca if they are on top of their game.
There was an equally dramatic end to Barcelona’s cup quarter-final as they netted two goals in the dying minutes to force Extra Time against Granada before ultimately easing through 5-3. They created enough chances to have won the game long before that and while a bit inconsistent, there are now a few performances that offer genuine cause for optimism moving forward as far as Barcelona fans are concerned.
With the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Frenkie de Jong offering a much greater threat in the final third of the pitch, some of the pressure has been eased on Leo Messi and they are all round more difficult to defend against as a result.
Head to Head
- Last 6 Competitive Meetings: 5 Barcelona Wins, 1 Draw.
- This fixture has produced a huge 36 goals in the last 6 meetings.
- Barcelona won 5-2 when the clubs met at Camp Nou earlier this term.
- The Catalans have also won on 5 of their last 6 visits to the Benito Villamarin.
Team News
Betis still have doubts over former Barca duo Claudio Bravo and Marc Bartra. Diego Lainez is also an absentee due to COVID-19.
Sergio Busquets is available following suspension and should start for Barcelona. We may see some light rotation with some big games coming up in the cups.
Predicted Real Betis Starting Lineup:
Joel – Moreno, Ruiz, Mandi, Emerson – Rodriguez, Canales – Fekir, Rodri, Joaquin – Iglesias (4-2-3-1)
Predicted Barcelona Starting Lineup:
Ter Stegen – Alba, Lenglet, Araujo, Dest – De Jong, Busquets, Pedri – Griezmann, Messi, Dembele (4-3-3)
Real Betis vs Barcelona Predictions
Score Prediction: Real Betis 2-4 Barcelona
This could be a good one as Betis aren’t one of those teams who will just park the bus and try to frustrate Barca. The hosts will though surely be a bit tired, both mentally and physically after what they went through on Thursday night. Barcelona have had an extra day off following their Extra Time drama and they have been looking sharp in the final third. Overall we should see the visitors collect maximum points in what could be another high-scoring game between these two.
Real Betis vs Barcelona Betting Tips (18+)
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