02 December 2021, 16:05 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
FC Barcelona vs. Real Betis Balompié kicks off at 16:15 (GMT+1) on Saturday, December 4, at Camp Nou.
Preview FC Barcelona La Liga, Dec 4, 2021
Preview Last weekend, Barcelona defeated Villarreal, 3-1, at the Estadio de la Cerámica and remained within touching distance of the top-six. After an uneventful first half, Barcelona took the lead minutes into the second. The goal was initially denied by the flag, but a VAR review eventually saw Frenkie de Jong (48') with the opener. Minutes later, the Nigeria international, Samuel Chukwueze (76'), tucked the ball away for the leveler. But a moment of real quality from Memphis Depay (88') restored Barcelona’s lead. The Flying Dutchman slipped past a yellow shirt before rounding the goalkeeper for the bottom corner. Minutes into stoppage time, Coutinho (90'+4 P.) wrapped up the three points from the penalty spot, leaving Barcelona with back-to-back victories: LDDWW. The club remains in 7th place, having picked up 23 points after 6W, 5D, and 3L. It was Xavi’s third game in charge (2W, 0D, & 1L), and his work is already evident on a side that appears to be far behind, technically and in terms of quality. Fortunately, Barcelona has been given the green light for the upcoming transfer window. Obviously, Barca will be able to sign in January, Barcelona CEO, Fran Reverter said earlier this week. According to credible reports, Xavi has set his sights on two players from Chelsea, Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, with the intention of injecting quality into the injury-hampered squad. Since Xavi’s arrival, he has stuck with the 4—3—3 formation and will likely do so again on Saturday for this game against Real Betis. Memphis Depay will be the focal point of attack once again. In the long list of absentees, Barcelona’s Sergi Roberto is set to undergo surgery for a thigh injury, according to an official statement from the club.
Preview Real Betis La Liga, Dec 4, 2021
Preview Real Betis picked up a 4-0 win over CFI Alicante on Wednesday in the Copa del Rey first round of fixtures. Back on LaLiga soil, Betis bagged three points in the 3-1 win over Levante last Sunday. A hattrick from Juanmi (54’, 63’ & 78’) saw Betis complete the comeback after Levante’s Mustafi (7’) put his side in the lead in the first ten minutes. The comfortable victory saw Betis stay in 5th place while having 27 points after 8W, 3D, & 4L. With back-to-back victories, WLLWW, Manuel Pellegrini will be on the hunt for a win when Betis makes this appearance against Barcelona. On Saturday, an attacking 4—2—3—1 formation, which could see Borja Iglesias or Willian José leading the attack, is expected. Hector Bellerin makes his return after a red card suspension, while Claudio Bravo is a doubt alongside Youssouf Sabaly.