Real Betis v. FCB Nov 14 [R]

We travel to "The Lopera Zone" to battle Los Beticos this Sunday.

they are currently sitting in the second half of the table with 12 points. -3 goal differential

FCB comes in as a clear favorite on paper, but playing away there is never fun. We tied there last year 1-1.

I expect with our improved line-up that a 2-0 win should be feasible.

 

Talking to reporters after training on Wednesday evening, Xavi Hernández warned of the danger Betis can pose this weekend, insisting "it's always a difficult ground to go and win at".

Xavi insisted that the team's concentrating on the Betis game, despite the imminent Madrid game capturing most of the media attention: "nobody's talking much about Betis, but it's as important game for us as any other. What's more, it's not an easy ground to play on, as the fans are very close to the action and Betis always seem especially motivated when they play us".

Unfazed by award omission

Xavi was unmoved by his omission from the 50 candidates for the Balon D'Or, claiming: "it's not particularly important for me. My job is to the best I can for my club. I know the media have been making claims that Carles Puyol and I deserve to be in the list, but objectively, I'm sure that there are plenty of others who should be there too, but there's only 50 places !"

Ronaldinho and Deco favourites

As for the eventual winner of the award, Xavi made clear his preferences: "I think both Ronaldinho and Deco have to be favourites. Deco won everything with Porto last season and Ronaldinho is just the total footballer".

 

After a three day break, the Barca players were back in training on Wednesday evening. The session finished with a practice game as the squad prepared for Sunday's game at Betis.


With Sylvinho, Gerard and Damià back after injuries, the players spent an hour and a half on the practice ground at the Masia, with the final practice game giving a few tips as to Rijkaard's possible selection for Sunday.

Damià in line for Betis

With Belletti out injured, Damià Abella played alongside Puyol, Oleguer and 'Gio' in what looks like the defence against Betis and afterwards the youngster told reporters: "I hadn't even realized I was playing in what could be the starting line up on Sunday. Sure, there's a chance the boss will pick me, but nobody's said anything to me yet".

With the Brazilian doubtful for the Madrid game, Damia could also be looking at his first derby, but he's keeping his feet very much on the ground still: "I've not even imagined playing in a Madrid game right now I'm just hoping I'll be lucky enough to play against Betis".

Ronaldinho takes extra shooting practice

Ronaldinho and Larsson both scored in training and the Brazilian stayed on after his teammates left to practice his shooting along with assistant coach Tet Cate and keeper Victor Valdes.

 

Ronaldinho is a doubt for Barcelona's clash with Real Betis on Sunday after he picked up a back injury in training on Friday.

The Brazilian star was forced to retire from the session shortly after it started when he began to complain of pain in his lower back.

He was taken straight to the dressing room for an examination and a massage and is now facing a race against time to be fit for the trip to Seville.

The club's medical staff explained that he would undergo intensive physiotherapy after the initial examination and that only a late fitness test would determine if he could play in the game.

 

Betis Sevilla v Barcelona: Preview

PA

Barcelona could be without influential playmaker Ronaldinho for the difficult trip to Real Betis.

The Brazilian missed Friday's training session with back pain and, although he will travel to Andalucia, his participation at the Manuel Ruiz de Lopera stadium depends on how he responds to treatment.

If the player is still feeling the effects of the injury he is unlikely to be risked with Barca hosting Real Madrid next Saturday in `el classico' - a match which is already being hyped up in Spain.

Barca have to get past Betis first, however, and Spain defender Carles Puyol is urging his team-mates to concentrate on the job in hand.

"We need to go game by game, that is what we said at the start of the season and nothing has changed, we need to go week by week and try to win three points each time," he said.

"To play this game (against Madrid) is important but we need to concentrate on the game against Betis, they are an attacking side and I hope that it is a good game.

"The three points against Betis are as important as the three against Madrid even though it is always a special game but we will talk about it when it arrives.

"I am sure that we are not going to find it easy playing at Betis as with many teams. I don't think that there are many easy sides and you always have to be prepared and ready to fight."

Winger Joaquin Sanchez is a doubt for Betis due to a knock on the knee he picked up in the Copa del Rey clash with Cadiz on Thursday night.

"Barca is one of the teams most in form and playing the best football in Spain but in the Ruiz de Lopera we have to be strong, big and not give opportunities to Barcelona. We need to pick up three points and move up the league," said Joaquin.

Joaquin's international team-mate Puyol knows the midfielder is a threat but would like to see him fit to face Barca.

"I know Joaquin well and have a good relationship with him and I do not wish bad upon anyone and hope he is in shape," said Puyol.

"I like to play these games always with both sides at full strength. I suppose for Betis it will be a problem (if Joaquin misses out) because he is one of their most important players."

Barcelona have full-back Silvinho back in the squad after he returned to training following an absence of a month and half with a knee injury.

 

I am pretty sure Joacquin is not playing...as for Ronnie playing...i kind of hope he only comes on as a sub if needed