The last time these two sides met, FC Barcelona knew that a win would move them within touching distance of their 22nd La Liga title; now the Blaugrana enter this fixture knowing that they need a win, simply to retain control at the top of the table. This of course assumes that Barca's nearest rivals, Atletico Madrid are successful in their travels to El Madrigal where they will face fourth place Villarreal CF; in an ideal world, the Yellow Submarine will be able to snatch a point (or three) from Diego Simeone's side and a Barcelona win would in fact extend their lead over Atleti to three, or possible even four points.
Traditionally an extremely tough fixture, Barcelona's trip to Real Betis looks a straight-forward match on paper: the visitors top the table and are virtually perfect this season, while the hosts are rooted to the bottom of the table having claimed just a single point from their last five domestic matches. However, the form guide suggested that the Blaugrana would sweep aside the-then Segunda Division side back in 2011 after a Manita victory in the first-leg of their Copa del Rey encounter, only to end up losing the return clash 3-1.
It just goes to show that anything can happen in football; and who knows, maybe anything will happen today? Barcelona are without Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets, and further squad rotation is expected ahead of the international break. Will Real Betis be able to capitalise and turn their season around with a result against the league leaders, or will Barcelona make it twelve wins from a possible thirteen with another victory tonight? Predict the score of tonight's match by commenting with your prediction below. Best of luck!
More from Barca Blaugranes:
- La Liga: Real Betis vs FC Barcelona: Full Match Coverage
- La Liga: Real Betis vs FC Barcelona: Match Preview
- FC Barcelona News: 9 November 2013; Copa del Rey Draw Pits Barça Against Cartagena, Squad Focused on Real Betis
- UEFA Champions League: FC Barcelona 3-1 AC Milan: Player Ratings
- FC Barcelona News: 8 November 2013; Gerard Pique Doubtful for Real Betis Clash, Andoni Zubizarreta Extends Contract