Seville’s La Cartuja will host the meeting of LaLiga’s two in-form sides on Saturday, when leaders Barcelona visit third-placed Real Betis in the ninth round.
Barcelona arrive with a flawless start stretching across every competition: 10 wins from 10, 43 goals scored and only nine conceded. Eight of those victories have come in the league, leaving Hansi Flick’s team alone at the summit.
Quick facts
- Match: Real Betis vs Barcelona
- Date and time: Saturday, 17 October, 13:30 Brasília time
- Venue: La Cartuja, Seville
- LaLiga positions: Barcelona first; Betis third
- Broadcast: Cazé TV and Prime Video
Flick is in his third campaign in charge of Barcelona, and his side have combined a high-scoring attack with a notably firm defensive record. Their latest European outing brought a 4-1 win away to Galatasaray in Istanbul.
Raphinha is available again after missing two matches through injury. Frenkie de Jong has also been cleared to return after being out since last season, although both players are expected to begin among the substitutes.
Betis have their own momentum after overturning Porto for a 3-2 Champions League victory on Wednesday. Manuel Pellegrini’s side have won six, drawn one and lost one of their eight domestic fixtures.
The Seville club will look to make home advantage count against a Barcelona side that has collected records during its perfect opening to the season. Betis are expected to field Álvaro Vallés; Héctor Bellerín, Diego Llorente, Natan and Fran García; Pablo Fornals, Marc Roca, Antony, Isco and Abde Ezzalzouli; with Cucho Hernández leading the attack.
Barcelona’s probable team is Joan García; Eric García, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín and Xavi Espart; Rodri, Pedri and Fermín López; Lamine Yamal, Gabriel Jesus and Anthony Gordon.
