Barcelona gets their La Liga campaign underway on Saturday, and they’re expected to come away with a comfortable win. The scheduling gods were kind to them, handing them a home match against relegation contenders Real Betis. However, Barca will have to play without a huge chunk of their team.
Barcelona vs. Real Betis 2016 live stream: Start time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Expect Barca to start the La Liga season strong with a win.
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Six players who could arguably be first choice for the Blaugrana this year are out through injury, suspension or international duty. This game is an important one for Barca’s fringe players, who will be given a rare chance to impress Luis Enrique in a match that matters.
Betis did well in their first year following promotion to La Liga last season, finishing 10th. However, their goal differential was worse than four teams below them, and they were only seven points above the drop zone. They’ll be fighting the drop again this season.
Key player: Arda Turan
Neymar will try to win Brazil an Olympic gold medal on Saturday, so Arda Turan is expected to take his place in the starting lineup. So far, Arda’s done well, and appeared to have solid chemistry with Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi during the Spanish Super Cup. He’s not as athletic or dangerous in front of goal as Neymar, but he’s just as good of a playmaker. He’ll try to create space for Suarez and pass to him, rather than look for goals himself.
Recent history
Betis didn’t give Barcelona any problems last season, with the Blaugrana winning 4-0 at home at 2-0 away. The last time that Betis took points off Barca was back in the 2012-13 season, when Ruben Castro scored twice in a 2-2 draw. He’s still a Betis player, but Barcelona’s changed a bit. They won’t be starting Seydou Keita or Ibrahim Afellay on Saturday.
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Neymar (Olympics), Andre Gomes (suspended), Andrés Iniesta (knee), Marc-André ter Stegen (knee), Jérémy Mathieu (hamstring). In doubt: Javier Mascherano (hamstring).
Real Betis injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: Rafa Navarro (calf), Joaquin (hip), Jonas Martin (hip).
Match date/time: Saturday, 12:15 p.m. ET, 6:15 p.m. local
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (U.S. and Canada -- English), beIN Sports en Español (U.S. and Canada -- Spanish), Sky Sports 3 (U.K.), beIN La Liga (Spain)
Online: beIN Sports Connect (U.S. and Canada), Fubo, Sling (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.), beIN Sports Connect España, Movistar+ (Spain)
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