Real Betis v Barcelona: Isco and Lamine Yamal set for key roles in probable line-ups

La Liga returns on Saturday, 17 October 2026, with Real Betis hosting FC Barcelona in a ninth-round fixture scheduled for 16:30 GMT.

Both sides are expected to be without several players, although Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini can call on Isco, while Barcelona boss Hansi Flick will look to Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo to provide the attacking threat.

Real Betis

Real Betis will not have a fully fit squad for the meeting at home. Left-back Junior Firpo remains sidelined with a thigh muscle injury and will miss the match.

There are also concerns over the condition of several midfield players, whose fitness is still being monitored. Pellegrini is nevertheless expected to include Isco, who has been in impressive form in recent weeks and has become a central figure in Real Betis’ attacking play.

Alvaro Valles is likely to start in goal, with Hector Bellerin, Diego Llorente, Natan and Fran Garcia forming the defensive line.

Marc Roca and Pablo Fornals are expected to operate in midfield, alongside Antony, Isco and Rodrigo Riquelme. Cucho Hernandez is the probable choice to lead the attack.

Probable Real Betis XI

Goalkeeper: Alvaro Valles

Defenders: Hector Bellerin, Diego Llorente, Natan, Fran Garcia

Midfielders: Marc Roca, Pablo Fornals, Antony, Isco, Rodrigo Riquelme

Forward: Cucho Hernandez

Barcelona

Barcelona also face the match with a slightly reduced squad. Raphinha has been ruled out and will not travel for the fixture.

Defender Andreas Christensen is continuing his recovery from a thigh injury, while Rodri is being rested. Those absences will leave Flick with decisions to make, but the German coach has considerable attacking talent available.

Lamine Yamal is expected to feature in the forward line, with Dani Olmo providing creativity from midfield. Barcelona’s probable defence includes Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Gerard Martin and Xavi Espart.

Joan Garcia is set to start in goal. Gavi, Pedri and Dani Olmo are likely to form the midfield, while Lamine Yamal, Gabriel Jesus and Karim Adeyemi are expected to lead the attack.

The fixture will be Barcelona’s ninth La Liga match of the season, with the Catalan club travelling to face Real Betis on Saturday afternoon.

Probable Barcelona XI

Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia

Defenders: Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Gerard Martin, Xavi Espart

Midfielders: Gavi, Pedri, Dani Olmo

Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Gabriel Jesus, Karim Adeyemi