Real Betis vs Barcelona preview

May 11, 2012
By: Matthew Clarke

Even if Real Betis and Barcelona don’t have much to play for on the final day of the season, the two teams will try to end the league campaign on a high before they set off on summer holidays.

Real Betis have done really well to avoid the relegation tussle right after their return from Segunda and if the team had been just a tad more consistent, they would probably finish the league campaign in the top 10.

Nonetheless, los Verdiblancos have recorded some pretty impressive results this season, especially on the travels, where they have beaten Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid, Malaga, Real Zaragoza and Sevilla.

Pepe Mel’s side also played really well against Barcelona, Real Madrid and Valencia, showing they are not too far away from Spain’s top sides.

Real Betis couldn’t build on the derby win over Sevilla as they were beaten by Sporting Gijon, but a good result against Barcelona would be more than welcome.

Javier Matilla, Juanma and Mario Alvarez are all sidelined through injury, whereas Iriney Santos and Nelson are injury doubts. The good news is Roque Santa Cruz and Ustaritz are back to the side.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Barriaga – Chica, Paulao, Amaya, Nacho – Nono, Benat, Sevilla – Pozuelo, Santa Cruz, Castro.

With the team missing out on La Liga and Champions League titles and Pep Guardiola set to leave at the end of the season, this is clearly an end of an era for Barcelona.

The Catalans are already thinking about the new season and summer reinforcements, but there is still something to play for.

While the game against Betis will not be too important for Barca, a victory at Estadio Benito Villamarin would help the team further improve their spirits before the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao.

It is for that reason that the visitors aim to play a good game and record a win in Sevilla, but they are just 1.36 (4/11) with 888sport to claim maximum points.

Seydou Keita has resumed full training after recovering from injury, but Alexis Sanchez is unlikely to be risked as he carries a thigh problem. Carles Puyol misses out through injury.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Pinto – Alves, Mascherano, Pique, Adriano – Xavi, Busquets, Keita – Pedro, Messi, Iniesta.

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