Official: Barcelona starting lineup to face Real Betis | La Liga

Barcelona will kick things off against Real Betis in a little over an hour at Estadio Benito Villamarin, as they look to cut down the gap to the top of the La Liga standings.

With the game set to start in a little while, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has announced the starting lineup that will be taking the field against Manuel Pellegrini’s men.

Inaki Pena continues to man the goal for the reigning La Liga champions in the absence of first-choice shot-stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Ronald Araujo returns to the lineup after being suspended for the Unionistas clash and slots in at centre-back, alongside Pau Cubarsi, who makes his first-ever start for Barcelona. Jules Kounde starts as the right-back while Alejandro Balde continues on the left.

The midfield trident for Barcelona is comprised of three world-class operators in the form of Ilkay Gundogan, Pedri, and Frenkie de Jong, with the former two returning to the starting XI after being rested for the midweek cup tie.

Another return to the starting lineup sees Robert Lewandowski being reinstated in the centre-forward position, with Marc Guiu dropping out.

The Poland captain is flanked by Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal, who is back after serving a one-game suspension in the cup tie. Joao Felix drops to the bench.

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