Barcelona visit Real Betis at La Cartuja in a top clash for the lead

Real Betis host Barcelona this Saturday at La Cartuja with the league leadership in the balance and the visitors targeting a ninth consecutive LaLiga win to start the campaign. The Blaugrana are top of the table outright, while the Verdiblancos sit third and have matched their best ever league start, set in 1934-35.

Flick’s run meets Betis’ challenge

As reported by MARCA, Hansi Flick’s side have turned every stop into a win: they already beat Elche, Athletic Club, Rayo Vallecano, Valencia, Levante, Racing, Sevilla and Getafe, plus two Champions League victories. Real Betis, meanwhile, haven’t beaten Barcelona at home in LaLiga since 29 March 2008.

De Jong and Raphinha return

Hansi Flick gets Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong back. The Brazilian returns after an edema suffered with Brazil; initial indications are that he’s not expected to start and Gabriel Jesus would be the centre-forward. De Jong also returns after a rupture of the inner lateral ligament in his right knee during the World Cup—he may not be in the starting XI but could get minutes.

For Real Betis, Manuel Pellegrini repeats the squad from the Champions League comeback versus Oporto, leaving out Junior, Aitor and Losada. Hamza will play for the reserve team following a technical decision.