Betis haven’t lost in Spain league since early February

Something’s got to give in La Liga on Saturday night as Barcelona, unbeaten in 2025, take on a Real Betis side that hasn’t lost a domestic game since February.

This is the third meeting between the two sides this season, with Betis holding the league leaders in the reverse fixture back in December. The pair then faced off in the early stages of the Copa del Rey a month later, where Hansi Flick’s side ran riot.

Barca have since advanced into the final of the competition, with their 1-0 victory at Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night sealing a hard-fought 5-4 aggregate triumph. It was their seventh win on the bounce in all competitions.

Betis, meanwhile, have the latter stages of the Conference League to soon consider, but they’ll also hope to claim a European berth for next season via league position. Manuel Pellegrini’s side have been excellent as of late, winning six La Liga games in a row, and they now trail fifth-place Villarreal on goal difference.

The visitors enter Saturday’s bout off the back of a memorable triumph over bitter rivals Sevilla in the Gran Derbi last weekend.

Flick has to be smart with his squad on Saturday. This is a hugely important La Liga fixture, but he’d be wise to offer rests to Pedri and Lamine Yamal after they picked up midweek knocks. The pair should feature off the bench.

Eric Garcia could partner Frenkie de Jong in the middle of the park, while Yamal’s absence should allow Ferran Torres to retain his place. Robert Lewandowski will return to the XI, as could Ronald Aruajo after his impressive performance off the bench at the Metropolitano.

The hosts are without Marc Casado, Andreas Christensen, Dani Olmo, Marc Bernal, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Betis (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Martinez, Balde; De Jong, Garcia; Ferran, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski.

Isco picked up his fifth yellow card of the season during Betis’ rare victory in the Gran Derbi last weekend, so he’s suspended for the trip to Catalonia.

Marc Roca is a doubt due to a foot injury, while former Barca winger Abde Ezzalzouli is likely to miss out again with a thigh issue.

Giovani Lo Celso is set to replace the influential Isco in an advanced midfield position, and the impressive Antony will start down Betis’ right.

Betis predicted lineup vs Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Adrian; Sabaly, Bartra, Llorente, Rodriguez; Cardoso, Fornals; Antony, Lo Celso, J. Rodriguez; Hernandez.