Real Betis will be strengthened by the return of Antony, who sat out last weekend’s derby against Sevilla due to suspension. However, both Hector Bellerin and Isco remain sidelined with injury issues.
Sofyan Amrabat and Giovani Lo Celso will require late fitness checks, and wholesale changes are expected from the side that started the midweek Copa del Rey tie against Torrent. Rodrigo Riquelme hit a hat-trick in that match, but he is still likely to drop to the bench on Sunday, with former Barcelona winger Abde Ezzalzouli set to start on the opposite flank to Antony.
Barcelona, meanwhile, remain without Marc-André ter Stegen, Gavi and Dani Olmo through injury, while Ronald Araujo continues his temporary break from football. There is better news regarding Fermin Lopez, who is available again after recovering from a muscular problem.
Frenkie de Jong missed the clash with Atletico due to illness but is fit to return and should slot back into central midfield. Pedri may be pushed into the No.10 role in Olmo’s absence, while Gerard Martin is expected to keep his place at centre-back.
In attack, Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford offer strong alternatives, but Robert Lewandowski is poised to lead the line once more.
