Real Betis vs Barcelona - La Liga: TV channel, team news, lineups and prediction
- Pressure is building on Xavi and Barcelona with hopes of La Liga title defence fading
- Domestic champions were also thrashed in the Supercopa de Espana final and could be fifth by Monday evening
- Sunday's opponents Betis have multiple key players out injured
By Euan Burns
Barcelona will attempt to get their season back on track on Sunday when they travel south to face Real Betis, knowing third place in La Liga is within their reach.
Xavi Hernandez is under immense pressure as Barca boss now his side have slipped to fourth, albeit with a game in hand over Athletic Club, and were thrashed by Real Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana final. It could get worse if they are beaten in Seville and Atletico Madrid win against Granada, which would see the Blaugrana drop to fifth.
For an under-pressure coach, Xavi has spoken to the press very honestly about his precarious position, saying he will leave the club if he feels he has lost the support of the players. The Copa del Rey win against Unionistas de Salamanca did little to help the coach; it's three points against Real Betis that he really needs. It won't be easy given Betis are currently seventh and only ten points behind.
Here's all you need to know about Real Betis vs Barca in La Liga this weekend.
What time does Real Betis vs Barcelona kick-off?
- Location: Seville, Spain
- Stadium: Estadio Benito Villamarin
- Date: Sunday 21 January
- Kick-off Time: 17:30 GMT / 12:30 ET / 09:30 PT
- Referee: Jesus Gil Manzano
- VAR: Carlos del Cerro Grande
Real Betis vs Barcelona H2H Record (Last Five Games)
- Real Betis: 0 wins
- Barcelona: 5 wins
- Draws: 0
Current Form (all competitions)
- Real Betis: DDLLW
- Barcelona: WWWLW
How to watch Real Betis vs Barcelona on TV and live stream
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | Viaplay UK, LaLigaTV, Viaplay Xtra |
United States | ESPN Deportes, ESPN+ |
Canada | TSN+ |
Real Betis confirmed lineup vs Barcelona
Real Betis lineup vs Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Silva; Bellerin, Pezzella, Papastathopoulos, Abner; Roca, Johnny; Henrique, Isco, Diao; Willian Jose.
Barcelona confirmed lineup vs Real Betis
Barcelona lineup vs Real Betis (4-3-3): Pena; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Gundogan, De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Lewandowski, Ferran.
Real Betis vs Barcelona score prediction
This will be a really tough contest for Barca given they know anything other than a win will put even more pressure on Xavi and Betis are never an easy team to beat. Barca do have a good recent record against Betis though.
The game should be very tight and it might not be packed with goals, but given the quality Barca will have on the pitch and the players Betis are missing, the away side have to be the favourites.
Prediction: Real Betis 1-2 Barcelona
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