Barcelona experienced only their third loss in La Liga this season, crumbling to a narrow defeat at Estadio de Vallecas at the hands of Rayo Vallecano. However, their upcoming league clash with Real Betis could prove smoother, as key opposing players are sidelined due to injuries.
Real Betis will be without their main attacking threat, Borja Iglesias, as Manuel Pellegrini confirmed in a pre-match press conference, the striker has been a lethal outlet with a contribution of 12 goals and 3 assists in 29 appearances, this season. Borja has been dealing with a slight knock for the past couple of weeks and is not fit enough to play. Additionally, Yousaf Sabaly is still in the process of recovering.
Los Verdiblancos’s attacking capability is further reduced against Barcelona, owing to the unfortunate injury to French midfielder Nabil Fekir. Although, the former Lyon man isn’t having the best season of his life but still carries a consistent threat and has racked up 2 goals and 3 assists in his 15 appearances. The right-back Yousaf Sabaly will also be replaced by Aitor Ruibal for this match.
Barcelona on the other hand have a nearly full squad ready to battle for three points after suffering a third defeat this season and signing off the chance of claiming 100 points in the campaign. Dembele and Christensen are coming back from long injuries, aiming to claim their spots in the starting eleven and help the club cruise toward their 27th league trophy.
With seven games remaining in the season, Xavi will hope to avoid any further downfalls and maintain their 11-point lead above rivals Real Madrid for the remainder of the season. Manuel Pellegrini and Real Betis remain confident of claiming the Champion’s league spot as they currently remain 6 points behind 4th placed Real Sociedad. An intriguing affair indeed!
