Barcelona play Real Betis at the Benito Villamarín Stadium on Saturday evening looking to consolidate their second place in La Liga.
After a poor start to the season, Xavi has guided the Blaugrana back up the table and they currently sit two points clear of Sevilla in third, five points clear of Atletico Madrid in the final Champions League spot and eight points ahead of Saturday’s opponents Real Betis.
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So, if Barcelona avoid defeat to Manuel Pellegrini’s team then the top four will be all-but secured and their place in next season’s Champions League will be almost confirmed.
Xavi will be without a number of key players, however, to try and get a positive result against the Copa del Rey winners. Defender Gerard Pique has been ruled out through injury, while Pedri and Nico Gonzalez won’t feature again this season.
Oscar Mingueza and Martin Braithwaite could feature after returning to training, although that is unlikely. Ansu Fati made his return as a substitute off the bench against Mallorca, but won’t be rushed back and could be an option in the second-half again.
Fresh from his new contract, Ronald Araujo will partner Eric Garcia at the back, while Memphis Depay will be handed another start after his goal last time out. Ferran Torres could make way for Ousmane Dembele.
Barcelona Potential Starting XI vs Real Betis
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