Match preview
Barcelona will look to extend their unbeaten streak in La Liga when they travel to Real Betis for Sunday's clash. Los Blaugrana, despite their tough start to the season, have put together an impressive run in recent weeks and are currently without defeat in 10 games. The Camp Nou outfit enter the encounter the upcoming game off the back of a dramatic 5-3 win over Granada in the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey.
Koeman's men were almost on the brink of elimination after conceding twice early on in the game but turned things around with two late goals to force extra-time. Goals by Antoine Griezmann, Jordi Alba and Frenkie de Jong ultimately sealed progression for the Catalans.
With that out of the way, Barca will fancy the idea of getting closer to the other league title contenders with yet another win. The Camp Nou club sit in fourth position with 40 points after 20 outings, winning 12, drawing four and losing the remaining four games. All of Los Blaugrana's last five league appearances have resulted in wins. As a result, it will take an extraordinary performance for Betis to defeat them, especially considering the fact that El Glorioso have not beaten Sunday's opponents in the league since 2008. In a 19-game run between then and now, they have picked up 15 defeats, with only four of the meetings ending in a draw.
On paper, it is expected to be a formality for Barca to clinch the win but Betis' run of form gives room for some optimism to exist. An upset is very much likely as an impressive campaign has seen Manuel Pellegrini's side occupying seventh position on the league log. They approach Sunday's encounter with the disappointment from their Copa Del Rey elimination by Athletic Club and will look to make amends swiftly.
In La Liga, the Benito Villamarín outfit is unbeaten in five outings, winning four and drawing one. As to whether they can build on that to get the better of Barcelona remains to be seen.
Team news
Victor Camarasa and Dani Martin are set to miss the upcoming clash through injury with former Barcelona pair Claudio Bravo and Marc Bartra also unavailable for the host. Also, Diego Lainez will have no role to play in the game after testing positive for coronavirus.
For Barcelona, Ansu Fati, Gerard Pique, Sergi Roberto and Philippe Coutinho will miss Sunday's game. Sergio Busquets is out of contention as he is currently serving a suspension.
Predicted starting XI
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Real Betis: Joel; Emerson, Mandi, Ruiz, Moreno; Rodriguez, Canales; Joaquin, Rodri, Fekir; Moron
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Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Dest, Araujo, Lenglet, Alba; Pedri, Busquets, De Jong; Dembele, Messi, Griezmann
Broadcast information
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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