LA LIGA PREVIEW: REAL BETIS VS BARCELONA

Los Veriblancos are poised for revenge, but do they have enough artillery to overcome the rampant Catalans?

No rest for the League leaders. They're back in La Liga action to take on Real Betis in a game rescheduled due to both teams' participation in the Spanish Super cup.  

After a stellar January, Barcelona will want to start February on a winning note and extend their lead to a tentative 8 points, until Valencia visit the Bernabeu tomorrow. They've endured a lot of scrappy wins last month, a trend they'll hope to put a stop to as they intend to kill of games much earlier, starting with a trip to the Benito Villamarin.

Never an easy ground to visit for opponents, the electric atmosphere of the Villamarin always acts as the 12th man for Real Betis. Their current form however, leaves quite a bit to be desired, having won only 3 of their last 9 La Liga games. Getting a win against the league leaders will do more than enough to boost their morale, but it's easier said than done.

INTERESTING STATS

- In the last 43 matches between the clubs, Barcelona have an impressive recent record having won 26, as opposed to Real Betis, who have only nine victories.

- In La Liga, Real Betis’s record against Barcelon is a worry for their fans. They have won only two of their last 22 games against Barcelona in La Liga. Their last two wins have come away at Camp Nou.

- Barcelona are on a five-match winning run away from home against Real Betis in La Liga. They are on the verge of becoming the first team to ever win six such games in a row in the competition.

- Xavi’s team have only lost one of their last 30 away games against Real Betis in La Liga. The last defeat was back in 2002.

- Before the start of their winless run at home, Real Betis were on a run of six consecutive victories at home in La Liga. Currently, they are on a winless run of three matches.

Last five meetings
12/01/23 (SUPERCOPA) Barça 2 (Lewandowski, Fati) Betis 2 (Barça won on pens)
07/05/22 (LIGA) Betis 1 Barça 2 (Fati, Alba)
04/12/21 (LIGA) Barça 0 Betis 1
07/02/21 (LIGA) Betis 2 Barça 3 (Messi, OG, Trincao)
07/11/20 (LIGA) Barça 5 (Dembélé, Griezmann, Messi 2, Pedri) Betis 2

TEAM NEWS

Real Betis

 Juan Cruz is the only absentee Betis will have to deal with. Juanmi, Nabil Fekir and Borja Iglesias have all been declared fit and have made the squad.

Manuel Pellegrini is likely to stick to his 4-2-3-1 formation, with Rui Silva in goal behind German Pezzella and Luiz Felipe at the heart of the defense. Juan Miranda and Youssouf Sabaly are likely to be his full-backs for the big game.

There is no doubt about the fact that the pair of William Carvalho and Guido Rodriguez will start. Fekir will return as the attacking midfielder, while Luiz Henrique and Sergio Canales will handle the wings. Finally, Borja Iglesias will resume duties at the number nine position. 

Barcelona

Xavi will be glad to have Robert Lewandowski available once again after serving his suspension. Barça have had problems scoring the second goal last month and the polish striker's presence will be more than welcome going forward. Ferran Torres has also completed his suspension and will be available for selection. Dembele however, will be sidelined for the considerable future.

German shot stopper and sweeper keeper Marc Andre TerStegen will resume his duties, protected by Araujo, Kounde, Christensen and Balde.

Xavi could go for his midfield 4 of Pedri, Gavi, Busquets and Frenkie, sacrificing a winger in the process. This means that Robert Lewandowski will be flanked on the left by Gavi ( or Pedri) and Raphinha on the right.

Where and when are Real Betis vs Barcelona playing?

Location: Seville, Spain 

Stadium: Estadio Benito Villamarín

Date: Wednesday 1 February

Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 EST / 12:00 PST 21:00 🇳🇬

Referee: Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea

Real Betis are capable of finding the net against Barcelona at home, even on their worst days, but Barça have always outscored their opponents in the Villamarin. Expect a tightly contested game with goals involved, but the Catalan giants are favored here.

LA LIGA PREVIEW: GIRONA VS BARCELONA

The first Catalan Derby between these two in the top flight since 2019 promises to be an eye catching spectacle.

Barça have their eyes and hearts firmly set on La Liga. Xavi's men have won the Supercup and recently confirmed their place in the semifinals of the Copa del Rey with a narrow home win over Real Sociedad. They're also yet to concede in the league this year. Imperious domestically, they sit 3 points ahead of the rest of the pack and have a chance to make it 8 wins on the bounce as they travel up north to take on the only other likeable Catalan club.

Girona, since their return to the top flight have endured a mixed season and now sit 12th in the table, 13 points away from the drop. While they've produced an eye catching display going forward, scoring 26 goals in their 18 league games, they've been leaky at the back, conceding 28 in said numer of matches. Can they breach the best defence in Europe and keep out the second best attacking line in the league? 

INTERESTING STATS 

- Barcelona have kept a clean sheet in 12 of their last 15 La Liga matches.

- Girona are still waiting for their first victory against Barcelona in La Liga and are winless in the last four in a row (D1 L3), shipping 3.2 goals per game on average.

- Girona have managed to record just a single victory from their last five domestic outings.

- Los Blanquivermells have also failed to record a single La Liga clean sheet so far this season.

- Xavi’s side have gone six away games without a loss, with both teams finding the back of the net in three of those games

- During the last 8 meetings, the goal difference is 24-8 in favour of FC Barcelona.

- Girona FC haven't lost in any of their last 6 home matches.

- Barcelona are unbeaten in their last 29 matches against Catalan teams in La Liga, with their previous such defeat coming at the hands of Espanyol by a 2-1 margin in 2009

(sportsmole.co.uk)

Last four meetings (in La Liga)

27/1/19 Girona 0-2 Barça

28/9/18  Barça 2-2 Girona

24/2/18 Barça 6-1 Girona

23/9/17 Girona 0-3 Barça

TEAM NEWS

Girona

Michel will have to do without the trio of Reinier, Kebe and Lopez, all out with injuries. Santi Bueno will also be unavailable due to his suspension against Villarreal. The coach will set his team up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Paulo Gazzaniga is up for a potentially busy afternoon between the sticks against Barcelona.

The Argentine shot-stopper will be shielded by the four-man backline, which consists of Arnau Martinez, Javi Hernandez, Bernardo Espinosa, and Miguel Gutierrez. 

Martinez, as we all know, is heavily linked to Barcelona next season, so this is his chance to show Xavi (and the fans) why he deserves to move to the Camp Nou. Gutierrez, a madridsta, will be doing the same, hoping his main employers from the capital are watching.

Oriol Romeu and Aleix Garcia will partner up as pivots in the middle of the park, with the latter, who in many ways is their best player this season, assuming a more free and creative role.

Rodrigo Riquelme starts at right wing, while Toni Villa is expected to hold on to his spot on the left, with Ivan Martin operating behind Valentin Castellanos. Club’s top scorer and veteran, Cristhian Stuani, who always loves a goal against Barça, will wait in the wings.

Barcelona

Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres will complete their suspensions by sitting this one out. Xavi has everyone else available.

While there's no question as to who is starting between the sticks, a decent level of rotation is expected here as the games are now being played every 3-4 days. Ander Astralaga, the 18 year old goalkeeper of the U19 team, also makes the first team squad for the first time.

 This is the perfect opportunity for the likes of Jordi Alba, Marcos Alonso ( who just signed a new contract), Eric Garcia and Hector Bellerin to show why they should be considered as more than fringe players.

Pedri came off an injury scare against Sociedad and is expected to make this squad for this clash. Xavi will however do well to rotate the midfield as well in order to keep his best players fresh for what's to come. Pablo Torre and Franck Kessie could have their chances here.

Due to the absence of Lewandowski and Torres, there's not much luxury to rotate in front, but it is expected that Raphinha and Ansu Fati will play huge roles here. Ángel Alarcón, who also renewed his contract, has been called up and could get decent minutes here. Ousmane Dembele, of course, will also be available.

Where and when are Girona vs Barcelona playing?

Location: Girona, Spain

Stadium: Estadi Montilivi

Date: Saturday 28 January

Kick-off Time: 15:15 GMT / 10:15 EST / 07:15 PST, 16:15 🇳🇬

Referee: Alejandro Muniz Ruiz.

Girona have reasons to be impressed with themselves this season, attacking-wise at least. As such, they should be able to pose a few problems to Barcelona's sturdy backline. Their questionable defense however, will likely be their undoing, if the visitors can put their chances away.

Either way, it's sure to be a spectacular atmosphere in Girona and a clash worth watching.

COPA DEL REY PREVIEW: BARCELONA VS REAL SOCIEDAD

Two unstoppable trains collide. Who stands their ground and who gives way? 

This is arguably the most anticipated Copa del Rey Quarter final clash this year. Two teams in really great form fight for a spot in the semi finals. Barcelona have been imperious at home domestically, even when they aren't at their very best, as was evident in the game against Getafe. After a dogged win against Intercity and a comfortable outing against AD Ceuta, they're yet to be tested again as Imanol's Real Sociedad come to town.

The team from San Sebastian have hit a good stride of their own, winning their last nine games on a spin and looking really good while doing it. They scored within the first five minutes of their last Copa del Rey outings, and it was enough to ensure progress. However, they do have a poor record against Barcelona, having not won the Catalans since 2016 and yet to taste victory at the Camp Nou since 1991. They'll want to put that out of their minds as they intend to take the next step to winning their second Copa del Rey in 4 years.

INTERESTING STATS 

- Barcelona and Real Sociedad have won the Copa del Rey a combined 34 times. This is the most of any match-up in this season’s quarter-final draw. 

- Barcelona are the most successful side in the history of the Copa Del Rey, winning the trophy 31 times.

- Barcelona are one of only three teams to win the competition four years in a row. They are also the only side to do so in the post-World War II era.

- Real Sociedad have conceded just one goal in their last 630 minutes of competitive football.

TEAM NEWS

Barcelona

Barça had an injury scare when Andreas Christensen was substituted during the game against Getafe with a hamstring issue. However, it's deemed not to be serious and he still makes the squad, although it's unsure if he'll start.

The choice of Goalkeeper is a curious one. Iñaki Pena is the one doing the job so far in the Copa del Rey, but in a game of this magnitude, Xavi will be tempted to put his best guy there, so we might see TerStegen.

Balde, Kounde and Araujo are sure starters, but with Christensen unsure, Sergi Roberto might be called up to start as RB.

There are rumors of Xavi deploying the same formation he used in the Supercup final, so we might see Pedri, Gavi, Busquets and Frenkie. Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres are available for this, but only the polish striker is sure to start. Dembele and Raphinha will round up the attack.

Real Sociedad

La Real have a lengthy injury list and will be without several players for the game. David Silva is the latest addition to the list which includes Martin Merquelanz, Mohamed-Ali Cho, Alex Sola, Mikel Merino, Andoni Gorosabel, Jon Pacheco, Ander Guevara and Sadiq Umar.

On the positive front, Mikel Oyerzabal is slowly gaining rhythm and will see ample game time here. Take Kubo was rested against Vallecano and Martin Zubimendi will return from suspension.

Alex Remiro should start in goal behind the formidable back four of Aritz Elustondo, Igor Zubeldia, Robin Le Normand and Diego Rico. Brais Mendez, Asier Illarramendi and Barcelona-linked Martin Zubimendi should form the midfield trio.

The trio of Ander Barrenetxea, Alexander Sorloth and Oyarzabal should form the frontline.

Where and when are Barcelona vs Real Sociedad playing?

Location: Barcelona, Spain

Stadium: Spotify Camp Nou

Date: Wednesday 25 January

Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT / 150:00 EST / 12:00 PST

Referee: Jesus Gil Manzano 

Real Sociedad have the quality and morale to come to this game guns blazing but given their lengthy injury list, it will be an uphill battle as they'll face a fresh Lewandowski amongst others.

They're bound to play well and put up a good fight, as they always do, but history, quality and Current form favor the home side as they look to win their 32nd Copa del Rey trophy.

LA LIGA PREVIEW: BARCELONA VS GETAFE

Can Barcelona continue their blistering 2023 form as they host the team based in the south of Madrid?

2023 has been kind to Barcelona so far. They've pulled 3 points away at the top, won the Spanish super cup with a typical Barcelona performance and have made great strides to enter the latter stages of the Copa del Rey. Today, they have a chance to go six points clear at the top, albeit temporarily (if Los Blancos can win in Bilbao).

Their opponents, Getafe, arrive at the Spotify Camp Nou on the back of a defeat at home to the other team from Barcelona. Their season has been wishy-washy so far. Recent form does not favour Getafe either, as they have won only one of their last five games, accruing 17 points from 17 games and sitting above the relegation zone by a hair's breadth.

INTERESTING STATS 

- Barça had gone seventeen games without defeat to Getafe, and had only conceded three goals in the last ten of them, when the run ended with a 1-0 defeat at the Estadio Coliseum Alfonso Pérez in October 2020.

- Getafe have won points in two of their last four La Liga games against Barcelona (W1 D1 L2) after doing so in just one of their previous nine games against them in the competition (D1 L8). 

- But of the current La Liga teams, only against Elche (24) have Barcelona played more times at home without losing than against Getafe (17 – W13 D4).

- Barcelona have not lost any of the eight games they have played at home in La Liga this season (W6 D2), their best performance at home at this stage of the competition since the 2019/20 campaign (W7 D1).

- Getafe have lost three of their last four games in La Liga (W1) after not losing any of their previous five in the competition (W1 D4).

- Barcelona have scored at least one goal in 15 of their 16 games in La Liga this term, the highest number of games in which they have found the back of the net at this stage of the season in the top flight since 2018/19 (16/16).

- Ousmane Dembele has been involved in six of Barcelona’s last 11 La Liga goals (three goals and three assists). Only Mikel Merino (7) and Antoine Griezmann (6) has given more assists than him (5) in the top flight this season.

Last five meetings

Getafe 0-0 Barça

Barça 2-1 Getafe

Barça 5-2 Getafe

Getafe 1-0 Barça

Barça 2-1 Getafe

TEAM NEWS

Barcelona

 Xavi will remain without the services of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres through suspensions. Everyone else is available for selection.

We're slowly getting used to what's being called Barça's 'Gala XI' and we expect all of them, bar Lewandowski, to start this game.

Marc Andre TerStegen, Alejandro Balde, Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo will herald the backline. Xavi could decide to revert to the classic 4-3-3, so Busquets might sit this one out, giving way to a vibrant midfield trio of Pedri, Gavi and Frenkie DeJong. 

Only 3 first team forwards are available for this game and it'll be interesting to see if Xavi starts them all: Ansu Fati, Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha. Ángel Alarcón has obviously pleased Xavi as he earns his second call up to the first team. Depending on how the game goes, he might make his debut at the Camp Nou.

Getafe

As for the Deep Blue ones, Mauro Arambarri has been the only major doubt for Getafe due to an ankle injury. But the 27-year-old will likely be fit enough to make the bench this weekend. However, the midfield unit should feature Angel Algobia, Luis Milla, and former Barcelona midfielder Carles Alena.

The visitors will line up in a 5-3-2 formation, with David Soria taking his spot between the sticks. Domingos Duarte, Omar Alderete, and captain Djene Dakonam will likely form the central defensive unit. And Juan Iglesias and Portu should be the two full-backs.

Enes Unal and Borja Mayoral will partner up in attack.

Where and when are Barcelona vs Getafe playing?

Location: Barcelona, Spain

Stadium: Camp Nou

Date: Sunday 22 January

Kick-off Time: 17:30 GMT / 12:30 EST / 09:30 PST 18:30 🇳🇬

Referee: Javier Iglesias Villanueva

This is the first League action for Barcelona since their win at the Wanda Metropolitano, but it isn't expected that such a break will be enough to throw them off their domestic groove. 

Getafe have proven difficult for the Catalans in the past and the same is expected here as they're fighting to stay up. However, the gulf in form and quality between the two sides should be enough to earn Barcelona the win.

COPA DEL REY PREVIEW: AD CEUTA VS BARCELONA

The La Liga leaders will be traveling to the Spanish Province in Africa in order to book their spot in the quarter finals of the king's cup.

It's been a positive 2023 so far for FC Barcelona. Moving up 3 points at the top of the table and winning the Spanish super cup will generate positive feelings in the squad and it's expected that they carry that to Ceuta, 12 hours away from home, where they play the only non- top flight team remaining in the competition.

Ceuta have been abysmal in the third division, sitting last in the table, but they've had an excellent cup campaign so far overcoming Utrera, Ibiza and Elche to reach this stage. Against Barcelona however, the biggest game they'll probably ever play, Ceuta know they have a mountain to climb but will gain hope from Intercity's brave showing to put on one of their own. 

INTERESTING STATS

- Ceuta and Barcelona have faced off thrice in the Copa Del Rey, with the Blaugrana winning all the games by an aggregate of 10-1. Ceuta have failed to score against Barcelona in both of their home clashes so far.

- Ceuta have never gotten past the Round of 16 round of the Copa Del Rey. This is their most successful campaign in the competition so far.

- Barcelona are the most successful side in the history of the Copa Del Rey, winning the trophy 31 times.

- Barcelona are also the side with the most finals appearances in the competition. They have made the showpiece event 42 times.

-Barcelona are only one of three teams to win the competition four years in a row. They are also the only club to do so in the post-World War II era.

TEAM NEWS

Ceuta

Jose Juan Romero has a fully fit squad at his disposal and should retain faith in his 4-2-3-1 system. Leandro Montagud should start in goal behind the back four of Alain Garcia Fernandez, Juan Gutierrez Martinez, Robin Lafarge and Alejandro Macias Sanchez.

Adri Cuevas and Alberto Reina Campos will be tasked with anchoring the midfield, providing the base for Antonio Manuel Gonzalez Gomez, Jose Manuel Lopez Plaza and Liberto Beltran to get forward when needed.

Rodri Rios should lead the line and will act as the attack’s spearhead.

Barcelona

With a fullt fit sqaud at his disposal, Xavi is expected to rotate massively. Pena will replace Marc Andre TerStegen in goal, Hector Bellerin, Eric Garcia, Marcos Alonso and Jordi Alba are expected to return the starting lineup at the back.

Pablo Torre and Franck Kessie are also expected to start, along with Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, who are set to miss the next 2 La Liga games. Ansu Fati and Raphinha are also expected to feature after being largely rested against Real Madrid. 

Ángel Alarcón from Barca Athletic has traveled with the squad. A left winger / centre forward, he could end up being the ideal replacement for the departed Memphis Depay.

When and where is AD Ceuta vs FC Barcelona played?

City: Ceuta

Stadium: Alfonso Murube

Day and time: Thursday, January 19 . 8:00 p.m. Spain, 1:00 p.m. Mexico, 4:00 p.m. Argentina, 8pm 🇳🇬

Referee: TBD

VAR: TBD

This is the easiest draw Barcelona could've gotten, given the teams that were left in the competition. As long as they improve on their errors against Intercity, this should be a walk in the park for Xavi's men.

SPANISH SUPER CUP FINAL PREVIEW: REAL MADRID VS BARCELONA

The season's first final is going down in Saudi Arabia and it's between Spain's two biggest rivals. Will it be 12-14 or 13-13?

All is set for FC Barcelona in Saudi Arabia where whey will play for the first title of the season. It is a game that has the potential to define the La Liga season as it's between the main contenders for the league title. 

Barcelona, playing their first final since 2021, will be itching to clinch this one and use it as a major morale boost for the remainder of the season. To get to this stage, they hard their work cut out for them though. They were pegged back twice by a very good Real Betis and were forced to penalties, where they won 4-2, thanks majorly to TerStegen's heroics.  

They also face a very big obstacle in the final. Very few teams and coaches, if any, are as efficient as Los Blancos and Carlo Ancellotti in finals. Granted they are not at their very best right now, as they too were forced to penalties by a sturdy Valencia, last year's Copa del Rey finalists, where they won 4-3. They still however posess the required mentality and quality to equal Barcelona's 13 Spanish super cup wins later tonight, and at the same time, retain their Super cup crown.

INTERESTING STATS 

• The last six matches between these two teams (five in La Liga, one in the Supercopa) have featured 23 goals combined.
• This will be the 251st meeting between these two clubs in a competitive match, with Real Madrid winning 101 times to Barcelona’s 97. 
• Barcelona have kept just one clean sheet in their last five games across competitions, while Real Madrid have two clean sheets.
• Barcelona are unbeaten in 12 matches in which Robert Lewandowski has scored this season across all competitions.
• Barça do not have a pretty record in previous Super Cup Final clashes with the 'old enemy'. Seven times they have met in the decider, and on a frustrating six of those occasions, it has been the all-whites who emerged victorious.

TEAM NEWS

Real Madrid

Carlo Ancellotti will be without David Alaba and Aurelien Tchouameni, who didn't travel to Saudi Arabia. Lucas Vasquez, Eder Militao and Eduardo Camavinga sustained injuries against Valencia and are doubts.

The rest of the team picks itself. Courtois, Carvajal, Nacho, Rudiger and Mendy will line the back, Kross, Modric and Valverde in the midfield and Benzema flanked by the Brazilian duo of Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo.

Barcelona

 La Blaugrana have a full squad ahead of this clash which might provide a bit of selection headache for Xavi.

TerStegen is in fine form and will continue between the sticks. Ronald Araujo has proved to be an expert on tying down Vinicius and will likely start at RB, with Koundé, Christensen and Balde completing the defense. Pedri is sure to start, but the remaining spots, yet again, are between Gavi, Frenkie and Busquets, or depending on the tactics, for all of them. 

Robert Lewandowski is back to scoring form and will surely start alongside Dembele. The remaining spot in the front line will go to either Ansu Fati,who played a great game against Real Betis or Raphinha, who's beginning to find his feet in Barcelona.

Where are Real Madrid vs Barcelona playing?

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Stadium: King Fahd International Stadium

Date: Sunday 15 January

Kick-off Time: 19:00 GMT / 14:00 EST / 11:00 PST, 20:00 🇳🇬

VAR: Jose Luis Gonzalez Gonzalez

Referee: Ricardo De Burgos Bengoechea

.

Both sides struggled in the semifinals and had were pushed to the limit. Los Blancos are a bit fragile defensively which is something Barcelona can exploit.

Xavi's men however, have the annoying habit of not killing games off early enough and will be punished if they let that happen here.

Neither are at their very best, but among many uncertainties, one guarantee is that the latest edition of the greatest club rivalry will be worth tuning in for.

SPANISH SUPER CUP SEMI FINAL PREVIEW: REAL BETIS VS BARCELONA

Real Madrid, having won the first semifinal against Valencia, await the winners of this delectable tie for the grand finale on Sunday.

Barcelona are back in Supercup action, having finished as runners-up in La Liga last season. Following the win against Atletico Madrid on Sunday, the Catalans will want to continue their winning form as they take on Real Betis in the semifinal of the Supercopa de España. Barça are kings of this competition, having won it 13 times. However, since the expansion of the tournament into four teams, Barcelona are yet to win, reaching the final once. Now's a good a time as any for Xavi's men to break that jinx.

Real Betis won't be pushovers though. This is their second appearance in this competition since 2005, when they also qualified as Copa del Rey champions, but where beaten by Barça 4-2. Los Verdiblancos have been in good form as well, currently in the top 4 of La Liga. They will see this as an opportunity to go one step further in their history.

INTERESTING STATS

- The last seven meetings have seen Barcelona win six games, with Real Betis clinching a victory in the remaining fixture.

- The last eight clashes between Real Betis and Barcelona have seen only the former succeed in keeping a clean sheet in a game (once).

- Barcelona have played in the Supercopa de Espana final (24) more often than any other club while also winning it more than any other team (13).

- Real Betis’s last seven matches against La Liga opposition have yielded just two victories

-Barcelona are on a run of seven wins from ten outings across all competitions.

Last five meetings 

7/5/22 Real Betis 1-2 Barça

4/12/21 Barça 0-1 Real Betis

7/2/21 Real Betis 2-3 Barça

7/9/20 Barça 5 -2 Real Betis

9/2/20 Real Betis 2-3 Barça

TEAM NEWS

Real Betis

Los Verdiblancos will have to cope without right-back Youssouf Sabaly, Paul Akouokou and Alex Moreno, who has left for Aston Villa.

So former Barcelona defender Juan Miranda will likely start as the left-back, Aitor Ruibal should deputise for Sabaly on the right flank. Edgar Gonzalez and Victor Ruiz should form the central defensive pairing. The back four will protect Rui Silva between the sticks.

As for the midfield unit, Guido Rodriguez and William Carvalho will look to keep things tight in the middle of the park. 

Nabil Fekir will be the most advanced midfielder for Real Betis, looking to pull the strings from a free role. Luiz Henrique and Rodri Sanchez should be the two wide men, with Borja Iglesias leading the attack.

Barcelona

Xavi's men all have a clean bill of health ahead of this game. Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, who are suspended for the next two La Liga games, will be set to feature in Saudi Arabia. The defensive unit of Koundé, Araujo, Christensen and Balde worked so well against Atleti and might feature again in this clash, in front of TerStegen who will start ahead of Pena.

The midfield is where it gets interesting. Pedri is sure to start, but the remaong spots are up for grabs, between Busquets, Gavi, Frenkie, Sergi and Pablo. Dembele and Raphinha will probably line up alongside Lewy.

Where and when are Real Betis vs Barcelona playing?

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Stadium: King Fahd International Stadium

Date: Thursday 12 January

Kick-off Time: 19:00 GMT / 14:00 ET / 11:00 PT. 20:00 🇳🇬

Referee: Carlos del Cerro

It's bound to be an entertaining clash filled with goals, as is often the case when these sides meet. Real Betis have the quality to ask strong questions of Barcelona's backline, but Barcelona, in the form they're in, with a potential El Clasico to look forward to at the weekend, are the favorites on paper, but they will have to prove that on the pitch.

LA LIGA PREVIEW: ATLETICO MADRID VS BARCELONA

In a fixture than transcends more than mere 90 minutes on the field, the stage is set for a clash of styles that sees two teams under transition of varying kinds go head to head. 

Atletico Madrid will host a high flying Barcelona in this weekend's biggest fixture. Diego Simeone's men might not win La Liga this season, but they'll do everything they can to close the gap and ensure a top 4 finish, and that starts tonight against the current league leaders.

Atleti currently sit at 4th position with 27 points, 11 points behind their visitors. While long vaulted as a strong defensive unit, they've been inconsistent this season, having dropped out of Europe completely after finishing last in their Champions League group before the World Cup. They are also way off the pace in the title race, but they come into this game on the back of wins against Elche in the league and Oviedo in the Copa del Rey, scoring 2 goals and keeping clean sheets on both counts. 

Barcelona however, are sitting at the summit of the league and are sure to remain in that position regardless of the outcome of this game, after Real Madrid lost to Villarreal. They currently boast the best defense in the league, which has been the foundation of their domestic success this season.

Despite the horrors of the Champions league group stages, Barcelona are still in contention for 4 trophies this season. They had to dig deep to go past Intercity into the next round of the Copa del Rey ( they'll be travelling to Ceuta for that, about 12 hours away!), while the Spanish super cup semi final against Real Betis on Thursday looms. They'll then face Manchester United in the Europa League play-offs come February. With all this to look forward to, Xavi will hope that every member of the squad is in tip top shape to allow rotations with minimal margin of error.

INTERESTING STATS 🧮

- Atletico Madrid have won their last two home games against Barcelona in La Liga, keeping a clean sheet in both clashes. It is just the second time in history that they have managed the feat.

- Barcelona have lost just two of the last 24 games against Atletico Madrid in La Liga.

- A loss on the night will see Barcelona suffer away defeats to both Madrid giants in the same season for only the third time this century.

- It is the fifth time that Barcelona have faced off against Atletico Madrid in their first game of the calendar year. They are yet to lose to the Rojiblancos on any of the occasions.

- Barcelona have conceded just six goals in 15 La Liga games this season, by far the best defensive record of any side in the Spanish top flight this season.

Last five meetings

30/6/20 (LIGA) Barça 2 (OG, Messi) Atlético 2

21/11/20 (LIGA) Atlético 1 Barça 0

8/5/21 (LIGA) Barça 0 Atlético 0

2/10/21 (LIGA) Atlético 2 Barça 0

06/02/22 (LIGA) Barça 4 (Alba, Gavi, Araujo, Alves) Atlético 2

TEAM NEWS

Atletico Madrid 🔴⚪

Atletico could be boosted by the return of Stefan Savic, who has trained ahead of the match, but Sergio Reguilon and Mario Hermoso are both injury doubts for the home side. Rodrigo DePaul is still unavailable, Nahuel Molina as well.

Simeone is expected to deploy his side out in a 3-5-2 formation. Jan Oblak should start in goal behind the back three of Stefan Savic, Axel Witsel and Jose Gimenez.

The trio of Geoffrey Kondogbia, Pablo Barrios and Koke will act as the engine room in the midfield, offering Marcos Llorente and Yannick Carrasco the freedom to push forward on the flanks. Alvaro Morata and Antoine Griezmann are expected to lead the line against a Barca side that has been tested since resumption of club football. João Felix has scored in his last 3 La Liga games and was rested against Oviedo, but the uncertainty around his future makes it unsure if he'd start this one.

Barcelona🔵🔴

Barcelona will be without top goalscorer Robert Lewandowski and Jordi Alba through suspension. Everyone else is fit and available for this clash.

Marc Andre TerStegen, imperious this season between the sticks, will return to the starting XI after sitting out the game against Intercity. Jules Koundé will likely play right back, with Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen and Alejandro Balde completing the backline.

Pedri, Gavi and Frenkie DeJong will likely start in midfield. Busquets played all 120 minutes against Intercity, Kessie also played but is yet to cement his place in the squad. Pablo Torre was brilliant and showed exactly why Xavi needs to put more faith in him, so it won't be a surprise to see him get some minutes at the Wanda.

The big question is who will deputize for Lewandowski. Xavi said different profiles have been tested, but it'll be between Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres and Memphis Depay, the last two of whom are yet to validate a place in the starting XI with the required performance post World Cup. Ansu Fati was way below his best against Espanyol but made up for it with a winner against Intercity in midweek.  It's likely he'll line up alongside Dembele and/or Raphinha, depending on if Xavi plays the typical 4-3-3 or deploy a 4-4-2 that was used to defeat Atleti the last time out.

Where and when are Atletico vs Barcelona playing?

Location: Madrid, Spain

Stadium: Civitas Metropolitano

Date: Sunday 8 January

Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT

VAR: Alejandro José Hernandez Hernández

Referee: Jose Luis Munuera Montero

Even though Atlético Madrid are not having the best of seasons, the Metropolitano is never an easy place to go and the home side are fighting for consistency this season. Winning such a game could be a good place to start. Both Managers are under enormous pressure to deliver going into this tie involving a clash of styles. Barcelona will have to be at their best defensively and offensively to put three points between them and Real Madrid.

COPA DEL REY PREVIEW: INTERCITY VS BARCELONA

INTRODUCTION

Barcelona begin their Copa del Rey journey against a team with nothing to lose and so much to prove.

Barcelona are back in Cup action! After limping out of the competition last year following a 3-2 defeat at San Mames, the Catalans have made this edition a top priority, even though La Liga remains the most important title to grab. They'll travel to the Valencian region of Spain to lock horns with a third division side who's well below Barça Athletic in the standings.

CF Intercity play their football in the third tier of Spanish football and have had to overcome Cirbonero and Mirandés to reach this stage. Even though their home stadium is Estadio Antonio Solana in Alicante, This game will be played in Estadio José Rico Pérez, the home stadium of Hércules, which has a 29,500 capacity compared to Intercity's stadium of 2500, where their fans can come out in droves to see their team play the biggest game in their 6 year history. Intercity actually played Barcelona B at the start of December, and the points were shared in a goalless draw, but it would be fair to say that this will be a different level entirely for the home side.

INTERESTING STATS 

- Barcelona are the most successful side in the history of the competition, winning the trophy 31 times, the last being in 2020/21.

- Barcelona are also the side with the most finals appearances in the competition. They have made the showpiece event 42 times, the last being in 2020/21.

- Barcelona is only one of three teams to win the competition four years in a row. They are also the only side to do so in the post-World War II era.

- Intercity have never gotten past the last 32 round of the Copa Del Rey. In fact, this is their most successful campaign in the competition so far.

-This is the first meeting between both teams.

- There are no fewer than eight former Barcelona players in the current Intercity squad!

TEAM NEWS

Intercity

Intercity have not been in action since recording a 2-0 victory over Mirandes in the last round of the Copa del Rey, and they have not reported any fresh injury concerns.

 While they go into the clash against Barcelona as massive underdogs, there is also an opportunity for them to make a name for themselves.

Gustavo Siviero’s side are likely to set up in a 5-3-2 formation and will in all likelihood remain changed from their last game. 

Gaizka Campos should start in goal behind the back five of Guillem Jaime, Vadik Murria Soriano, Ivan Kecojevic, Rafa Galvez and Cristo Romero. The trio of Cristian Herrera, Miguel Mari and Xemi Fernandez should hold the fort in the middle of the park.

Oriol Soldevila Puig and Pol Roige should start up front.

Barcelona

Following the disappointing draw against Espanyol and ahead of the clash with Atleti, rotations are expected. Xavi has chosen to rest Pedri and Lewandowski for this one. 

Iñaki Pena was registered with the first team in time and will likely start in goal. Araujo has been confirmed to start alongside Eric Garcia, and we'll likely see Hector Bellerin line up at Right back and Alba at left back.

Massive rotations are expected in the midfield as well, with Kessie and Torre itching for a start.

Memphis Depay will likely have a chance to convince Xavi that he's ready to start games again. Fati, who was disappointing against Espanyol, might be given another chance, along with Raphinha, who was more impressive at the weekend.

When and where is the Intercity v Barcelona game?

Location : Alicante (Spain)

Stadium : José Rico Pérez

Date : Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Time : 21:00 (🇳🇬time)

Referee : Valentin Pizarro Gómez

VAR : None

CONCLUSION

Barcelona were largely disappointing over the weekend, but they have a chance to put that behind them. CF Intercity will have to play the game of their lives to get anything out of this one, and given the gulf in quality between the two sides, any result other than a convincing Barcelona win will be deemed a huge upset.