Real Betis will welcome Barcelona to the Estadio La Cartuja on Saturday in a La Liga fixture.
The Catalan giants seek to maintain their one-point lead at the summit, while the hosts aim to climb from fifth position.
Real Betis vs Barcelona – Match preview and team news
- Date: Saturday, 6th December.
- Kick-off: 5:30pm BST.
- Venue: Estadio La Cartuja de Sevilla.
Real Betis team news
Real Betis face significant injury challenges. Star winger Antony sustained a twisted ankle during Wednesday’s Copa del Rey encounter against Torrent and is now a doubt after missing training on Thursday. His availability will be decided closer to kick-off and he will undergo a fitness test on Friday.
The hosts will definitely be without right-back Hector Bellerin due to a muscular injury, midfielder Isco Alarcon (ankle), and Giovani Lo Celso (muscular injury). However, there is encouragement as midfielder Sofyan Amrabat is expected to recover in time to feature.
Real Betis demonstrated their attacking threat in midweek, defeating Torrent 4-1 in the Copa del Rey, with winger Rodrigo Riquelme – signed from Atletico Madrid in July 2025 – delivering a hat-trick. Young right-back Angel Ortiz also impressed with a goal. Coach Manuel Pellegrini has demonstrated tactical adaptability, deploying Pablo Fornals in an advanced position against Sevilla, which resulted in a match-winning performance that inspired Betis’ 2-0 derby victory.
Barcelona team news
Barcelona received positive injury news with Frenkie de Jong returning to full training after recovering from illness, making him available for Saturday’s clash. The Dutch midfielder’s availability is timely given Dani Olmo’s shoulder injury sustained against Atletico, which will sideline him for up to four weeks.
Fermin Lopez remains unavailable with a muscular problem but could return for the Champions League fixture against Eintracht Frankfurt next week. Gavi continues to recover from a knee operation, Ronald Araujo remains absent due to mental health reasons, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen is out with a back injury.
Head coach Hansi Flick praised Barcelona’s display against Atletico as “the best match of the season,” with the team demonstrating impressive resilience and attacking prowess. Raphinha and Pedri featured prominently in a dominant midfield performance.
Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, continues impressing from the bench, with Spanish media praising his counter-attacking threat during his 24-minute cameo on Tuesday.
Form
Real Betis
Real Betis remain unbeaten in their last seven matches across all competitions, underlining their credentials as genuine contenders for European qualification.
The Seville club’s commanding 2-0 derby victory over Sevilla last weekend highlighted their growing consistency and control in big games. Currently fifth in La Liga with 24 points, Pellegrini’s side continues to perform well despite a lengthy injury list.
Barcelona
Barcelona have established themselves as La Liga’s dominant force with five consecutive league victories.
Their 3-1 triumph over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday kept them one point clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table. Hansi Flick’s side displayed exceptional attacking prowess and improved defensive organisation throughout that encounter.
Predicted lineups
Real Betis: Valles; Ruibal, Natan, Bartra, Gomez; Altimira, Roca; Antony, Fornals, Ezzalzouli; Hernandez
Barcelona: J Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde; De Jong, E Garcia; Yamal, Pedri, Raphinha; Lewandowski
How to watch Real Betis vs Barcelona?
Premier Sports holds the exclusive UK broadcast rights for this La Liga fixture.
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