With Dembele and Suarez missing and Messi only just returning from injury, Al Hain-Cole doesn’t expect Valverde’s men to produce too many goals
Barcelona will be desperate to bounce back from their opening defeat against Athletic Club when they welcome Real Betis to Camp Nou on Sunday.
Ernesto Valverde is already under intense scrutiny after a late Aritz Aduriz goal saw his side go down 1-0 in Bilbao in his side’s first La Liga game.
Barcelona vs Real Betis latest odds
Having won 11 and lost none of their last 12 home games in the league, they are 1/4 (1.25) favourites to return to form with a victory in front of their own fans.
However, Real Betis are actually the last side to leave this ground with three points – running out 4-3 winners back in November – and can be backed at 9/1 (10.00) to pile on the pressure with another shock win.
Just one of the last 12 encounters between these sides has resulted in a draw, but there are odds of 5/1 (6.00) available on them cancelling each other out in this one.
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Barcelona vs Real Betis team news
Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele have both been ruled out, although Lionel Messi is set to make his first appearance of the season after returning to full training this week.
Joel Robles is suspended after getting sent off in the opening 2-1 defeat against Real Valladolid, while Borja Iglesias is unlikely to feature due to an ankle injury.
Barcelona vs Real Betis preview
The opening defeat in Bilbao has only piled more pressure on Valverde, whose more pragmatic style of play means he has always struggled to win over the fans.
Indeed, Barca have scored more than three goals in just eight of their 38 home league games under the former Athletic boss, having done so eight times in just the final 12 of predecessor Luis Enrique’s tenure.
Barcelona vs Real Betis tips and predictions
With Messi not fully up to speed in an attack missing Suarez and Dembele, odds of 4/5 (1.80) therefore seem like solid value on under 3.5 goals being scored for Barcelona’s ninth league game in 10.
All odds correct at time of publish. Please gamble responsibly.
Under 3.5 goals for a 1.5pt stake at 4/5 (1.80) with bet365
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