Barcelona have certainly received a La Liga boost under manager Xavi. Since being hired to succeed Ronald Koeman, Barcelona have won back-to-back La Liga matches.
The Blaugrana are up to seventh in the La Liga table ahead of their Camp Nou clash with Real Betis on Saturday. Real Betis are fifth in La Liga’s standings ahead of matchday 16. Manuel Pellegrini’s team has won back-to-back games in the league.
Real Betis up next𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐎𝐍 🔊 pic.twitter.com/AC86sqUfYj— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 2, 2021
Real Betis up next𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐎𝐍 🔊 pic.twitter.com/AC86sqUfYj
Saturday’s game will be a six-point affair between two teams with top-four aspirations. While achieving Champions League qualification would be a major coup for Real Betis, it is the bare minimum expected of Barcelona.
Barcelona have won five straight matches against Real Betis in La Liga. Real Betis last won against Barcelona during the 2018-19 season in La Liga. They claimed a 4-3 win at Camp Nou.
Since then, Barcelona have had their way with the Verdiblancos. The last six La Liga matches between the Spanish rivals finished with both teams scoring. Their last seven La Liga matches finished with over 3.5 goals.
Xavi has a number of injuries going into the match on Saturday. Jordi Alba is a doubt along with Sergi Roberto. Pedri and Ansu Fati are nearing returns from injuries, but may not be fit to start – or make the squad – on Saturday.
Sergio Aguero is a long-term absentee due to a cardiac issue. Martin Braithwaite and Moussa Wague are nearing returns from their respective injuries.
Pellegrini has three players on the Real Betis injury list ahead of the fixture. Goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is a doubt due to a muscle strain. Midfielder Victor Camarasa is also nursing a muscle injury and is a doubt to make the squad. Youssouf Sabaly is a doubt to play following a muscle strain.
Real Betis played in midweek in the Copa del Rey against CFI Alicante. Barcelona didn’t have to play in midweek cup action, which will keep them fresh for Real Betis’s visit on Saturday.
Barcelona have a difficult week upcoming. After playing Real Betis, they will face Bayern Munich on the final day of the Champions League group stage. A loss and Benfica win against Dynamo Kyiv would see the Spanish giants eliminated from the Champions League.
Despite the pressure on the team in the Champions League, the Xavi-effect should see Barcelona defeat Real Betis for a sixth straight match. The trend of both teams scoring and over 3.5 goals scored continue as the Blaugrana outscore Real Betis in a thriller at Camp Nou.