Barcelona vs Real Betis

Competition: La Liga

Date: 30th December 2015

Venue: Nou Camp, Barcelona

Kick off: 19:30 BST 

Live Stream: fuboTV

Fresh from lifting the Club World Cup during the festive period, Barcelona arrive back in La Liga looking to maintain their lead at the top of the league when they host Real Betis. 

This game holds an extra importance for Lionel Messi, who will make his 500th Barcelona appearances on Wednesday. 

The 28-year-old Argentine forward flew back to Spain on a private jet after attending an award ceremony in Dubai. 

Before leaving for the Club World Cup in Japan, Barcelona dropped points against Valencia and Deportivo La Coruna, as a result they are now level on points with Atletico Madrid in the league. 

Betis are without a win in their last four outings, however, their away form is impressive, having lost just once in their last eight games. 

Barcelona vs Real Betis Team News

Barcelona have no major injury news ahead of their clash against Betis. Only Rafinha and Douglas are unavailable for the hosts. 

In defence, Mascherano is likely to start alongside Pique. Rakitic and Iniesta are expected to start alongside Busquets in a 3-man midfield. 

Betis have no injury doubts for this tie. No big changes are expected but Francisco Molinero may be preferred at right back.  

Barcelona vs Real Betis Starting Lineups

Barcelona possible starting XI – Bravo, Alba, Pique, Mascherano, Alves, Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta, Neymar, Suarez, Messi 

Real Betis possible starting XI – Adan, Molinero, Westermann, Gonzalez, Vargas, Petros, N’Diaye, Joaquin, Ceballos, Cejudo, Castro 

Barcelona vs Real Betis Key Stats

1 – Betis have suffered just one defeat in their last six games in all competitions 

6 – Barcelona have won their last six matches against Betis in all competition 

15 – Barcelona are undefeated in their last fifteen home matches in La Liga 

Prediction: Barcelona 3-0 Real Betis