Real Betis ended their six-game winless competitive run (D3, L3) with a 1-0 win over Granada last weekend to keep their hopes of a top-six finish alive. Following it up appears a tough task for the Andalusians, who have struggled for consistency this season, recording consecutive victories just once in La Liga this term, although their low number of losses (three) indicates they have been a tough side to conquer.
Playing at Stadio Benito Villamarín gives them perhaps the best chance yet to secure back-to-back wins, as Betis are unbeaten here this league campaign (W6, D4). Six clean sheets in that sequence suggests their defence holds the key to success, and with their nine second-half home league goals scored this season over twice as many as they managed before the break (four), expect a strong showing after the half-time.
Their unbeaten home streak could be put under severe strain by Barcelona, who won the reverse fixture 5-0 for a ninth win across the last ten league H2Hs (L1). The Catalans are fresh off a 3-1 win over third-tier side UD Salamanca in the Copa del Rey, which currently remains their only realistic chance of silverware this season after losing to Real Madrid in the Super Cup final and falling well off the pace in La Liga.
Inconsistency has largely been behind their fall from grace, as Barça haven’t won more than two league games in a row since late September (W7, D4, L2), something which they can change with a victory here. This current sequence was preceded by a run of five straight wins including the reverse fixture, which should keep their hopes of a seventh-straight H2H league victory at this venue alive.
Key battle: Isco has been in the thick of the action across his last five games (G1, A2, YC3) and could be critical in the wake of multiple injuries for Betis. Jules Koundé may be out to keep him quiet, but despite contributing to each of Barcelona’s last two competitive goals (G1, A1), he scored an own goal on his last visit to this venue.
Hot streak: Each of Barcelona’s last eight league wins came by a one-goal margin, as did their last four top-flight away H2H victories.
