Real Betis v Barcelona – Betting Preview
Real Betis Summary
Real Betis got a much-needed win during the weekend trip to Getafe and they head into this contest against Barcelona fully in touch with the champions league places with this rearranged match.
Betis are always going to be highly motivated and concentrated for matches against a team they aspire to be like in the shape of Barcelona, and a big but not sold out crowd is expected.
A win is their aim but they would take a draw right now. Betis would go level with 4th placed Atletico with a win, but before kick-off, they would certainly accept a point.
Pellegrini has pretty much his best side available for the game at el Benito Villamarín, only missing Loren and Paul, plus the long-term absentee Camarasa.
Barcelona Summary
Barcelona’s spirits and confidence on the pitch are very positive. They grabbed a vital and hard-fought win over neighbours Girona 0-1 on the weekend and better still, watched on as Real Madrid dropped two points against Real Sociedad in the Sunday night match.
Barcelona are now 5 points clear at the top and a win here would make it a massive 8 point lead above Real Madrid.
On the back of the Spanish super cup final win against Real Madrid who they embarrassed in Saudi Arabia, the momentum compared to the bitter rival and only challenger for the title is excellent.
Barcelona can recall Ferran Torres and Lewandowski and both will start in Seville.
The latter is a massive boost to their attacking but with Dembele dropping out after an injury on Saturday. It Is not all good news and they lose depth more than quality in the XI with the speedy winger missing out.
Xavi will recall all his starters, some of whom rested for the narrow win against Girona. So Christensen and Pedri come back into the XI along with the suspended duo named above.
Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first. Barcelona is in great form and although not shining in league games, getting the job done. They are the favourites to win @ 1.71. Betis are a big outsider of the three options, priced @ 4.90 to win. The draw is @ 4.05.
Moving onto the Asian handicap market for this contest. Real Betis +0.75 are getting a big start @ 1.98 which is a strong preference. Barcelona would need to win by two goals or more @ 1.88 which looks like a sizeable task against this very dangerous opponent. It is very easy to oppose Barcelona here as they would not be unhappy with a draw.
Looking at The Under/Over goal line last of all, which looks fairly set at 2.5. No strong like either way here as although both are technical and attractive teams in general, both like to keep the ball in their half and avoid risks. Also, the longer it stays 0-0 the tighter the game will become, as both clubs know the importance of the first goal. Barcelona has won the last 3 league games 1-0.
