Barcelona vs Real Betis predictions for Saturday’s La Liga clash. Can the Spanish champions build up on what has been a positive start to their season when they host Real Betis at their Olímpic Lluís Companys Stadium? Read on for our free match preview and betting tips.
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Match Live Saturday, 16th September at 8:00 pm In:
Barcelona vs Real Betis Predictions
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Barcelona’s Streak Meets Betis’s Resilience
Key Stats
– Barcelona’s defensive rigidity was evident last season, recording clean sheets in 84% of their home fixtures.
– In their only home game this season, the Catalans emerged victorious with a 2-0 win over Cadiz.
Camp Nou is poised to witness an exciting clash as Barcelona are looking to continue their winning streak, hosting Real Betis in the fifth game week of La Liga. Current champions, Barcelona, are in robust form with three consecutive victories, positioning themselves in third place having accrued 10 points. Betis, not too far behind, reside in seventh, having bagged seven points from their initial encounters.
Recent Encounters
Barcelona’s journey this season commenced in a subdued manner with a draw against Getafe. But the Blaugrana picked up the pace with triumphs against Cadiz, Villarreal, and a thrilling victory over Osasuna. Robert Lewandowski’s last-minute heroics ensured that Barcelona pocketed all three points against Osasuna.
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Conversely, Real Betis’s journey began with a promising win over Villarreal but was soon followed by mixed results. Their confidence, however, has been bolstered by their recent 1-0 victory against Rayo Vallecano. Though history leans towards Barcelona, with Betis losing their last three league encounters, Betis will fondly remember their 1-0 success at Camp Nou in December 2021.
Team News and Analysis
Barcelona’s line-up has seen a shuffle with arrivals and injuries. The signings of Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix, on loan from Manchester City and Atletico Madrid respectively, added depth and excitement to the team. Both showcased their talent against Osasuna and are anticipated to play pivotal roles against Betis. However, Pedri and Ronald Araujo’s absence due to injuries could be a significant blow. Moreover, the probable exclusion of Ilkay Gundogan might weaken the midfield.
Betis aren’t without challenges either. A spate of injuries has affected their squad, with Aitor Ruibal, Luiz Henrique, and Nabil Fekir among the players unavailable. Despite the hurdles, the Seville-based club remains resilient with Willian Jose being their frontrunner in the attack.
Predictions
1. Match Outcome: Barcelona to Win
Barcelona’s recent form suggests that the home advantage could play a pivotal role in deciding the outcome of the match. Historically, Barcelona have dominated this fixture, having won 17 of their last 20 league encounters against Betis. While both sides have had their moments this season, the Catalans’ home record gives them a considerable edge. In the previous season, they kept clean sheets in 84% of their home matches.
Their only home game of the current campaign resulted in a 2-0 victory over Cadiz, showcasing their defensive strength. Coupled with the potential debut of high-profile loanees like Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix, Barcelona’s squad depth seems to offer a more potent threat. The recent form, home advantage, and strengthened lineup make a strong case for a Barcelona win.
2. Correct Score: 2-1 to Barcelona
While Barcelona might be the favourites to win, it’s unlikely that the match will be a high-scoring affair or a one-sided drubbing. Betis, despite their position, have displayed resilience, having only conceded 5 goals in their opening four fixtures. Considering Barcelona’s attacking prowess and Real Betis’s recent defensive displays, a 2-1 scoreline seems a plausible prediction.
It’s also worth noting that Betis managed to find the net in three out of their four matches this season, suggesting they can breach the Barca defence. However, with Barcelona’s strengthened squad and the team’s resolve to maintain their winning momentum, it’s likely that they will score more than once.
3. Goalscorer: Robert Lewandowski
The Polish international, Robert Lewandowski, is known globally for his impeccable goalscoring prowess. Having netted the crucial winner against Osasuna in the dying minutes of their recent game, his confidence would undoubtedly be sky-high. He has already scored twice this season, which makes him a likely candidate to find the net against Real Betis.
Moreover, with Barcelona’s high ball possession and attacking strategy, Lewandowski will get ample opportunities to test Betis’s defence. Given his track record and the service he will receive from the likes of Joao Felix and other playmakers in the Barcelona setup, it’s a reasonable bet to predict Lewandowski as a goalscorer for the upcoming fixture.
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