Barcelona - Real Betis predictions and free betting tips [16/09/2023]

On Saturday, 16 September, as part of the 5th round of the Spanish La Liga, Barcelona will host Betis. The reigning champions have accumulated 10 points from the first four matches and hold the third position in the table, while Betis sits seventh with seven points.

Predicted Line-ups

Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Kounde, Christensen, Balde; Romeu, De Jong, Gavi; Yamal, Lewandowski, Felix.
Betis: Silva; Bellerin, Pezzella, Bartra, Abner; Rodriguez, Roca; Rodri, Isco, Perez; Willian Jose.

Stadium

The match will take place in Barcelona at the Olympic Stadium.

Barcelona

The reigning Spanish champions had a successful domestic campaign last season and are looking to retain their crowns this upcoming one. Managed by Xavi, the Catalans surprisingly stumbled in the first round of the new championship, playing a goalless draw against Getafe, but ended the break with three victories: over Cadiz (2:0), Villarreal (3:4) and Osasuna (1:2). A goal from Ezequiel Avila was answered by a goal from Jules Koundé, but Robert Lewandowski's precise strike at the 86th minute brought Barcelona all three points.

Barça currently sits third in the league table, trailing the leading Real Madrid by two points. They are preparing for three home matches in a row, one of which, taking place next week, will see them face Antwerp in the first stage of the Champions League group stage. Pedri, who suffered a thigh injury, remains unavailable as does central defender Ronald Araujo. Ilkay Gundogan sustained an injury on Tuesday in a match against France, but managed to recover. 

Betis

Betis will compete in the Europa League this season. However, the Verdiblancos' goal for the upcoming campaign is to at least replicate Real Sociedad's success and finish in the top four. Under Manuel Pellegrini, the Andalusian team has had a successful start to the championship, defeating Villarreal 2:1 and drawing 0:0 with Atletico Madrid. But they suffered a 4:2 defeat at San Mamés. Before the international break, the Seville club resumed their winning stride, overcoming Rayo Vallecano 1:0 – the only goal of the game was scored by Willian Jose in the 53rd minute. The Sevillanos currently sit seventh in the league table and will face Rangers in the first stage of the Europa League group round next week. 

Head to Head

The match will not be held at Camp Nou due to refurbishment works, but at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona. Last season, the Catalans left Betis with no chance on their home ground – the final score was 4:0.

Match Prediction: Barcelona vs Betis

Barça is rightly considered the favorite for the upcoming match. The Catalan giants are not keen on losing ground to Real Madrid in the table, and equally, they would not want to slip up in front of home support. Betis have had a mediocre start to the new season and will be missing several key players due to injuries. I am not expecting any surprises here and am backing a Barcelona victory with a -1 handicap.

Total Goals Prediction

In the first 4 rounds, Barça netted 8 goals, while Betis conceded on 5 occasions. Given the in-form Torres, the chances of the visitors conceding less than 2 goals seem quite slim.

Corner Kicks Prediction

Being the superior team, Barça will dictate the match and consistently create danger near the opponent's goal. I am backing a Blaugrana victory on corner kicks with a -1.5 handicap.

Yellow Cards Prediction

Betis will likely resort to frequent fouls in order to inhibit the dynamic flanks of the hosts' attack. I expect the Verdiblancos to finish the match with more yellow cards.

Score Prediction

I am predicting a 3:1 win in favor of Barcelona.