This is arguably the standout clash in La Liga this weekend based on recent goal-frenzies between the pair and we should be set for another thrilling instalment on Saturday with both sides in erratic form.
The last five encounters have generated a whopping 29 goals including a 5-2 success for the champions here in last season’s corresponding fixture – the third meeting in four where both sides have struck at least twice.
With Barca conceding in their last four La Liga matches and in six of their last seven outings in all competitions, both teams to score wager is the obvious selection for the action at Camp Nou.
Our reasoning is further bolstered by the fact Barca have registered in their last 23 home matches, while Betis have scored ten and conceded 12 across their eight league fixtures this term.
Los Verdiblancos sit a fair seventh ahead of their trip to Catalunya but have been extremely hit and miss with four wins and four defeats posted from eight and this game represents a good opportunity for Barca to get their domestic campaign up and running.
Ronald Koeman’s side has failed to win any of their last four La Liga matches (D2, L2), but they toughed out another champion League win here in midweek against Dynamo Kiev (2-1) and can exploit the visitors’ defensive fragilities.
So, while we're focusing on both teams to score instead of backing Barca at skinny odds, the champions should come through this one which leads us to a 3-1 prediction for the correct score market.
Managers' quotes
Ronald Koeman (Barca): "Any game is important, it doesn't depend on the situation. Betis are a team that play good football and it's a complicated game. We have to correct Wednesday's mistakes, especially in defence. We are ready."
Manuel Pellegrini (Betis): "They have a lot of possession. The key will be that when we have the ball, we don't miss our chances. We hope to play a game with the same personality that we had against Atletico and Real Madrid. Taking the initiative and converting our chances."
Probable line-ups
Barca XI: Ter Stegen; Dest, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Pjanic, De Jong; Dembele, Messi, Fati; Griezmann.
Betis XI: Bravo; Emerson, Mandi, Bartra, Moreno; Carvalho, Rodriguez; Joaquin, Canales, Tello; Sanabria.
Head-to-head record & other stats to know
Barcelona has won four and lost only one of their last five matches against Real Betis.
The last match between the two ended in a 3-2 victory for Barcelona thanks to goals from De Jong, Busquets and Lenglet.
The Catalans' loss came back in 2018, with Betis beating us 4-3 at Camp Nou.
Blaugrana have scored at least 3 goals in 10 out their last 11 home matches against the Andalusians.
Predictions
Sportsmole's Matt Law: Barca 2-1 Betis
"There is simply no downplaying the importance of this match to Barca, who are already losing ground in the league. Betis are capable of making it a very uncomfortable 90 minutes for the hosts, but we just fancy Koeman's side to edge a tight match at Camp Nou."
Whoscored's Simon Harrison: Barca 3-1 Betis
"Barcelona are winless in their last four La Liga games, drawing with Sevilla and Alaves and being beaten by Getafe and Real Madrid. Despite a perfect record in the Champions League thus far in 2020/21, Ronald Koeman is under fire to get things back on track quickly domestically.
"Real Betis got back to winning ways last time out with a 3-1 win over Elche, but under Manuel Pellegrini, the visitors have been very inconsistent so far this season."
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