Barcelona vs Betis Prediction & Betting Tips - LaLiga

Prediction published on 22/08/2019, 09:08  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 22/08/2019 at 16:07 in LaLiga Predictions

Not since the 1964/65 season have Barcelona lost their first two La Liga games of the season. They are halfway to equalling that disastrous start after losing their opening league game of the season. It took a spectacular goal to give Athletic Bilbao the shock home win over the league champions. Barcelona will hopefully have Lionel Messi back for this home game against Real Betis. They won't want a repeat of last season's home game against them when losing 4-3. Barcelona have a strong record against Betis so they will look to get normal service resumed. They have won their last seven home league games and 11 of the last 12 since that shock loss.

Real Betis also lost their opening game as they lost 2-1 at home to Real Valladolid. Having a player sent off after just eight minutes didn't exactly help them. They held onto the 63rd minute before going a goal down but equalized five minutes later. Valladolid secured the three points with an 89th minute winner. Betis finished in 10th position in La Liga last season but that was only three points behind the final Europa League qualifying position. 11 points from their final 10  league games scuppered their hopes of European football this season. Away form for Real Betis saw them win six league games last season but lost ten. Four of their last five away league games have been lost, the other game was a win at Real Madrid. Betis seem to like the big occasion but the tip here is for Barcelona to win and be ahead at both half and full time.