Preview: Real Betis vs. Barcelona

Barcelona can extend their unbeaten run to 12 in La Liga if they snatch all three points from their trip to Real Betis this weekend.

Gerardo Martino's side have only experienced one blip on their course to defend the title courtesy of a goalless draw with Osasuna on October 19, but their latest result was a 1-0 win over Espanyol.

Despite a near-perfect start for the Catalans, they are only one point above Atletico Madrid in the table, while arch rivals Real Madrid linger six points behind.

In contrast, Betis sit in the bottom three of the standings having taken just nine points from 12 encounters following last weekend's 3-2 defeat to Malaga.

Pepe Mel's team have been struggled to keep out goals, and already have had 20 shipped past them this season, keeping only four clean sheets so far.

In terms of the teams, Martino could continue shuffling his side following their midweek Champions League commitments, with Carles Puyol and Marc Bartra possibly entering the fold in defence.

Pedro could be given the starting nod ahead of Neymar, while Lionel Messi is likely to start for the visitors, while Betis will be without defender Damien Perquis due to a broken jaw.

Recent form

Real Betis: WLLLDL

Barcelona: WWDWWW

Possible starting lineups

Real Betis: Andersan; Juanfran, Jose Antonio, Nacho, Montel; Xavi Torres, Alvaro, Nono, Verdu, Juan Carlos; Jorge Molina

Barcelona: Valdes; Montoya, Bartra, Puyol, Adriano; Busquets, Fabregas, Iniesta; Pedro, Messi, Sanchez

Sports Mole says: 0-2