While things are going positively off the rails for Barcelona off the field, the players must simply remain focused on avoid any more slip-ups as they try to get past Atlético Madrid in the table.
Barcelona vs. Real Betis: Preview and TV schedule
Barcelona are dealing with two key injuries as they try to keep pace with Atlético Madrid in the title race.
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Despite two rather key injuries for Barca to deal with, last placed Real Betis are not likely to put up enough of a fight to slow down the Blaugrana. The loss of Victor Valdés for the season is a major blow, and combined with Gerard Piqué's hip injury, the Barca defense is running out of depth.
Real Betis appeared to be on their way to a second straight win last week against Málaga, but two latex goals handed Gabriel Calderón's side a crushing blow that left Betis teetering on the verge of relegation. Sitting eight points clear of safety with just seven matches to play, there's no way around the fact that Betis must find a way to win.
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Victor Valdés (knee), Gerard Piqué (hip), Jordi Alba (suspended).
Real Betis injuries and suspensions
Out: Salva Sevilla (hand), Antonio Amaya (hamstring), Damien Perquis (hamstring), Dídac Vilá (ankle).
Victor Valdés is out for the season after undergoing knee surgery, while Gerard Piqué will miss a month after damaging his hip during the mid-week.
Projected lineups
Barcelona: Jose Manuel Pinto, Martin Montoya, Javier Mascherano, Marc Bartra, Dani Alves, Sergio Busquets, Cesc Fàbregas, Andrés Inietsa, Neymar, Lionel Messi, Pedro.
Real Betis: Antonio Adán, Javier Chica, Jordi Figueras, Paulão, Juanfran, Lolo Reyes, Alfred N'Diaye, Juan Carlos, Léo Baptistão, Rubén Castro, Jorge Molina
Match Date/Time: 6 p.m. local, 12 p.m. ET
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
TV: beIN Sports USA, beIN Sports en Español (U.S.), Sky Sports 3 (U.K.)
Online: beIN Sports Play (U.S.), beIN Sports Play (Canada)
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