Match Preview: Betis-Barcelona

44 million fans aside (don’t ask me how I arrived at the figure, read more here), the rest of Europe desperately awaits Barca’s first loss in a league fixture since August. What has amazed fans and critics alike is that beyond the fluent, flowing game that the club has long since made synonymous with its name, the squad has shown the self-belief and spirit to emerge from difficult situations unscathed and with 3 points to boot. Incredulous spectators wonder about this side which unlike the balloon of inflated egos undermined by the slightest pin-prick it resembled in previous seasons, now appears a solidly welded unit of collective self-confidence, undeterred and unrelenting.

While your not-so-intrepid previewer starts every preview mumbling his just-in-case excuses of weariness and fatigue Coach Pep Guardiola has uncompromisingly driven the squad to accept nothing less than a win under any circumstances. Pep’s unflinching approach is reflected in his game-eve comments stating that he will accept mid-week internationals as no excuse for slack performances.

Betis Balompie have won only 2 matches out of 10 at home this season in the league, nevertheless Guardiola’s wariness may be to attributed to the fact that Barca have only won twice at the Manuel Ruiz de Lopera in the last 10 years with 5 out of 9 results being losses.

Coming on the back of a win in the Andalusian derby Betis are on a high. Their record in the last 5 matches is an evenly spaced out 2 wins, 2 losses and 1 draw. Their poor home form has marred their season causing them to hover only 5 points above the relegation zone. 29 goals scored to 30 conceded is neither a bad nor a good record. Interestingly though Betis have gone behind early in more than 50% of their matches and it remains to be seen if they can effect a comeback against a Barca side which has often rampaged after scoring first.

Betis though have been buoyed most of all by the return of Oliviera. Not having a name ending in “o”; much like Jardel and Elber before him, Oliviera has remained on the fringes of the Brazil squad but has been prolific at club level with his best goals to games ratio coming in his previous stay at Betis (i.e. 26 goals in 46 appearances). Speedy and lethal, he will be backed by the wily Sergio Garcia behind him.

Adding to the speed on the counter are Betis’ season top scorer Emana and Mark Gonzalez. Betis gaffer Paco Chaparro has a problem with suspensions, 3 regulars Nelson, Arzu and Damia picking up their 5th yellows during last week’s derby. Capi seems the likely option in midfield to replace Arzu and partner Mehmet Aurelio. Guardiola has said that he expects the experienced Juanito and Vega to play and with Nelson out, Melli will probably slot in at rightback and Rivas partner Juanito in the center. The inconsistent Ricardo might provide Barca with opportunities of corners and set-pieces.

Puyol’s enthusiastically rushed return has resulted in him sitting this one out. Rest El Capitan! There are plenty more matches to come. Marquez has had a tough week which makes me think Caceres will partner Pique in defense. Alves will probably jog all the way from Barcelona to the stadium since he played only 20 mins midweek. Abidal didn’t injure Messi so he is still in the squad and likely to start. It’s a toss-up between Busquets and Toure Yaya for the defensive midfield position though it is Toure’s turn since Busquets started last time round.

It is also Iniesta’s turn to get some rest and so a fit and fresh Keita should take his place at left-midfield. Xavi, Messi, Eto’o and Henry and of course Valdes in goal complete my line-up.

A tough outing awaits and it remains to be seen whose turn it is to take the starring role. One after the other, Alves, Xavi, Messi and co (Betis might like a special mention made of Gudhjonsen) have stepped up and delivered. Its unlikely Barca will be able to keep a dangerous Betis side from scoring but Betis will find their task of keeping a phenomenal Barca at bay even harder.

Prediction: A tough call but I fancy the same scoreline as the first leg. Betis 2-3 Barcelona.


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