Now five points clear at the top of La Liga, Barcelona will look to keep their winning run going when they take on Real Betis on Wednesday.
Xavi’s side were pretty underwhelming last time out but still managed to force through a 1-0 win over Girona which, coupled with Real Madrid’s slip-up against Real Sociedad, could have some major ramifications in the title race.
Next up for Barcelona is a tough meeting with sixth-placed Betis, who came close to snatching a win over the Blaugrana in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final in January, falling on penalties after a 2-2 draw in 120 minutes.
Here’s all you need to know about this one.
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Real Betis team news
Winger Juan Cruz remains out with a hamstring injury but there are no further fitness worries for Betis, who welcomed both Nabil Fekir and Juanmi back from their own fitness concerns last time out.
(4-2-3-1): Silva; Sabaly, Pezzella, Felipe, Miranda; Rodriguez, Carvalho; Henrique, Fekir, Rodri; Iglesias
Barcelona team news
Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres have both served their suspensions and are back in the mix, with the former almost certain to start up top.
The bad news for Xavi concerns winger Ousmane Dembele, who is expected to miss around a month because of a hamstring issue.
(4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Alba; Busquets, De Jong, Pedri; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Gavi
Barcelona have looked a little limp in attack recently but will be bolstered by the return of Lewandowski, who netted against Betis when these two met in the Super Cup just a few weeks ago. However, losing Dembele could have the opposite impact.
Betis showed that day what they are capable of, giving Barcelona a real scare which they will hope will carry over here.
Expect Betis to find the back of the net once again, but Barcelona should just about edge this.
Prediction: Real Betis 1-2 Barcelona
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