Barcelona out to continue Betis dominance
Barcelona head to the Benito Villamarin with an outstanding record against Los Verdiblancos that will ensure there is no fear in the visiting squad.
The Catalans are unbeaten in their last 13 away games against Betis in La Liga and have won on their last seven visits in a row.
Betis haven’t managed a clean sheet in their last 18 home consecutive home games against Barcelona which will be music to the ears of Robert Lewandowski and Co.
In total Barca have won 19 of their last 22 matches against Betis in La Liga, while Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini has beaten the Catalans just once as a manager in 16 attempts.
The stats certainly made good reading for the league leaders ahead of the trip south.
Vitor Roque to face Barcelona
Real Betis Balompie v CD Leganes - La Liga EA Sports Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
Vitor Roque could come up against his parent club Barcelona on Saturday. The Brazilian is on a two-year loan with Betis but made sure not to include a ‘fear clause’ in his transfer, meaning he’s available for selection.
Vitor Roque has made it pretty clear on several occasions since leaving that he did not enjoy his time at Barcelona after joining almost a year ago. The Brazilian barely played, despite Barca bringing his transfer forward, and was then eventually shipped out on loan.
He has seen plenty of game time at Betis, making 16 appearances for Manuel Pellegrini’s side and starting 11 times. Vitor Roque has netted three times along the way but hasn’t found the back of the net in his last three matches for los Verdiblancos.
He’s likely to feel extra-motivated on Saturday when Barca come to town and will come up against plenty of familiar faces as Flick’s side aim to maintain momentum from their Mallorca win.
More rotations for Flick?
RCD Mallorca v FC Barcelona - La Liga EA Sports Photo by Cristian Trujillo/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Flick rested Robert Lewandowski last time out against Mallorca and may be tempted to give more players a breather, particularly with Dortmund up next in the Champions League.
You’d suspect Lewandowski will be back in the starting line-up, while Raphinha could potentially get a breather after talking Flick out of it in midweek.
Frenkie de Jong and Gavi are both pushing for starts in midfield, while Ferran Torres will be hoping for more minutes after scoring last time out against Mallorca.
Ferran faces a real battle to get into the starting XI this season but has scored four goals in eight meetings with Real Betis in La Liga, making them his favorite opponent in La Liga.
Pau Victor is another player eager for first-team minutes and was also in the goals in the midweek win but may have to settle for a place on the bench once more.