The home side is currently 13th on the league table with 41 points from 35 games, while the visitors are in top position on the log with 82 points from 35 games.
A win for the underdogs can see them rise to 9th place on the league table, while a defeat can see them drop to 14th place on the standings. A victory for the league leaders will see them retain their status at the summit of the division, while a defeat could see them end the weekend in 3rd place.
Real Betis secure early safetyReal Betis, who were the winners of the Segunda Division last year have done well to stay away from the relegation zone for much of this season, and require just a point from this game to be mathematically guaranteed a place among the elite next season.
The Green and Whites, managed by Juan Merino are in indifferent form, with two wins, one draw and two defeats in their last five games. These wins were against Levante (1-0 on April 9), and Las Palmas (1-0 on April 19).
The underdogs could only manage a draw against Celta Vigo (1-1 on April 16), but suffered defeat at the hands of Athletico Madrid (5-1 on April 2), and Sevilla (2-0 on April 24).
Barcelona no margin for errorBarcelona who were coasting a couple of weeks ago have lost their cushion at the top of the standings, and are only ahead of Athletico Madrid by virtue of a superior goal difference. With both title challengers in excellent form, Barcelona will likely have to win all their remaining games if they are to secure this title.
The Cules, managed by Luis Enrique are in poor form, with two wins and three defeats in their last five games in all competitions. These wins were in consecutive games against Deportivo la Coruna (0-8 on April 20), and Sporting Gijon (6-0 on April 24).
The league leaders however lost three consecutive games, including two league matches against Real Soceidad (1-0 on April 9), and Valencia (1-2 on April 17), and a Champions League defeat to Athletico Madrid (2-0 on April 13).
Betis’ chances of getting a positive result in this game will be vastly improved if goalkeeper Adan, and center defenders Heiko Westermann and Cristiano Piccini can find a way to keep the rampant Barcelona attackers quiet. Luis Suarez has been in lethal form for the visitors this season, and has already scored a whooping 53 goals in all competitions. He currently leads the race for the Pichichi with three goals, and he will be looking for a couple of more goals in this encounter.
Barcelona suffered a huge drop in form recently, and that allowed their closest challengers to catch up with them. They have however won their previous two games, scoring 14 and conceding 0, and therefore I see the Catalans winning this game by a comfortable margin.