Preview: A battle of first against last
With the exception of Osasuna, no other team in La Liga has been able to steal points from the Blaugrana. 34 points from a possible 36 has Tata Martino's side top of the Spanish League, with a visit to Betis not looking like it will slow them down.
Getting the full three points will be vital for Barcelona. Although they have started in brilliant fashion, Atletico Madrid is right on their heals, with just one point separating the two clubs.
In contrast, Betis is last in La Liga, with only two victories from 12 matches. Both those victories came at home against Valencia and Villareal, but they have four losses and one draw from their last five in La Liga. Turning things around against Barcelona looks like it could be difficult, but their mid-week victory over Vitoria Guimaraes in the Europa League will have given them some added confidence.
Making matters worst for the hosts is a long list of injury concerns. Pepe Mel with be without Salva Sevilla, who has been in good form in the absence of Ruben Castro. Also missing for Betis will be Paulao, Javi Chica, Lolo Reyes, Nosa Igiebor, Damien Perquis and Juanfran.
Gerardo Martino will also have some injury concerns of his own going into Sunday's match.
Gerard Pique has picked up another groin injury, and he has been ruled out of this match. Sergio Busquets has also been left out of this match. When you also factor in the absences of Isaac Cuenca, Afellay, Jordi Alba and Jonathan Dos Santos, the Catalans are left with an 18-man roster against Betis.
In Pique's absence, it is likely that Marc Bartra will get the start for Barcelona. It is also possible to see Alex Song line-up along side Mascherano in the heart of the back-four.
On the offensive side of the ball, Barcelona will be up against a Betis side that has already conceded 20 goals this season, but have only conceded five at home.
Neymar, Messi and Pedro will likely be the three attacking options, with Alexis Sanchez making way for the Spanish international.
With both sides coming off victories in a European competition, there may be some tired legs late in the match. Failure to claim all three points for the Blaugrana could see them fall into second place, while if Betis manages to hand Barcelona their first defeat, they could climb out of the relegation zone.
Where to watch this match - live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch Betis vs Barcelona live on Sunday, November 10, 2013:
In Canada at 15:00 ET on: beIN Sport Play Canada
In the UK at 20:00 BST on: Sky Go UK, Sky Sports 1/HD, Sky Sports 1 Ireland, NOW TV powered by Sky
In the USA at 15:00 ET on: beIN Sport Play, beIN Sport en Espanol
If you are outside these viewing areas, be sure to visit the Betis vs Barcelona match page for full TV listings in your area.
