Barcelona will be looking bounce back from their Copa Del Rey defeat at the hands of local rivals Espanyol and extend their lead at the top of La Liga beyond 9 points as they travel to high-flying Real Betis. Barcelona have struggled for consistency in recent weeks with the absence of a winter break in La Liga and Betis, who themselves have had a fantastic season; will fancy their chances of registering some points here.
Spanish La Liga – Real Betis v Barcelona – Estadio Benito Villamarín – Sunday 21st January 2018 – 19:45 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 9/2 at Ladbrokes |
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Real Betis
FC BarcelonaReal Betis
The big greens have enjoyed a sensational start to the campaign, picking up 27 points from their opening 19 games to sit 7th in the table – only 5 points behind Real Madrid. European football will be at the forefront of minds for Betis fans – who’ve seen their team become the joint-third highest scoring team in La Liga this term. Antonio Sanabria has notched 7 goals for Betis this season – including a last minute winner against Real Madrid back in September.
Barcelona
Barca continue to set the pace at the top of La Liga – winning 16 and drawing 3 of their opening 19 league matches. With a Champions League tie against Chelsea on the horizon, coupled with a 9 point gap at the top of the league, Ernesto Valverde’s men could start to dream of yet another trophy laden season. Lionel Messi has scored 20 goals in all competitions this season and his prolific goal record makes him one of the stand out players in world football.
Head to Head
Barcelona hold a significant lead in the La Liga head to head record between the sides with a 26:8 lead in their favour with another 9 matches between the teams finishing as draws. This is the second time the sides have met this season with Barcelona defeating Betis 2-0 back in August at the Nou Camp with goals from Sergi Roberto and a Tosca own goal.
Real Betis v Barcelona – Bettings Odds and Predictions
Real Betis have notched 33 goals this season so will fancy their chances of grabbing a goal.
Both teams to score – YES – is a strong bet at 4/7 with Ladbrokes.
Lionel Messi is always a threat and has scored 19 goals in all competitions this term.
Lionel Messi to score anytime looks inevitable at 2/7 with Coral.
Barcelona will look to take the game to Betis which could open up the encounter.
Over 2.5 goals in the game is a banker bet at 1.3 with Betfair.
Barcelona are the highest scoring team in La Liga and are full of confidence currently.
Barcelona to score 2+ goals is a value bet at 1/5 with Skybet.
Score Prediction
Real Betis 1 – 3 Barcelona – 9/1 with William Hill.
Top Betting Tip Real Betis v Barcelona
Real Betis have some seasoned campaigners in their ranks but Barcelona are just too good at the moment. Barcelona to win the match and both teams to score is a good punt at 13/10 with William Hill.