Barcelona hosts top-4 challengers Real Betis at home as they attempt to maintain their championship push.
Barcelona returns to play at Camp Nou following a dismal away loss to Rayo Vallecano. The Catalan giants have only won one of their last four games, postponing their title celebrations.
Despite Barcelona’s dominating advantage over archrivals Real Madrid in the championship race, Xavi would like to see his team avoid complacency when they play Real Betis on Saturday.
The Blaugrana need 11 points from their remaining games to reclaim the Spanish championship, and Xavi would want to see his club get closer to the trophy after the last whistle.
Barcelona also has a strong home record, with 39 points from 15 games, as they try to defend their crown in what might be a successful season for the Spanish heavyweights.
Real Betis, like the hosts, enters the game against Barcelona after some erratic performances that have hampered their prospects of finishing in the top four. Pellegrini’s team have lost three of their last five games, while also drawing 0-0 with Real Sociedad in their most recent appearance.
With the chances of a Champions League spot fading away for Betis, the Spanish side would look to produce an upset at Camp Nou and delay Barca’s title party. The Green and Whites will look to find some consistency before the curtains are drawn on the season if they want a ticket to the Champions League.
The Spanish outfit emerged victorious against the Catalan side the last time the two sides met at Camp Nou and will look to draw inspiration from their previous visit to Barcelona.
FC Barcelona vs Real Betis confirmed line-ups
FC Barcelona XI (4-3-3):Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Balde; F de Jong, Busquets, Pedri; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Gavi
Real Betis XI (4-2-3-1):Silva; Montoya, Felipe, Pezzella, Miranda; Rodriguez, Carvalho; Perez, Canales, Henrique; Willian Jose
FC Barcelona vs Real Betis LIVE updates
