Coutinho impressing early on

Hello everyone and welcome along to our Barcelona vs Real Betis live blog for this Saturday's LaLiga Santander Matchday 16 clash. This is Xavi Hernandez's fourth match in charge and he'll take on a coach at the opposite end of his career, in Real Betis' Manuel Pellegrini. It should be a thriller at the Camp Nou and we'll be bringing you all the updates.

Barcelona vs Real Betis - LIVE SCORE: 0-0

This is the start of our live blog for Barcelona vs Real Betis at the Camp Nou. As always, the latest entries are the ones closes to the top. So, follow along with us!

Minute 18: Bellerin fires over

Betis worked the ball across to Hector Bellerin, who opened up his body and tested his luck from 25 yards or so out, but it flew over the crossbar.

Minute 12: First yellow card of the game

Sergio Canales has picked up the first yellow card of the game after lightly touching Sergio Busquets' ankle. The replay shows that it was perhaps a bit harsh.

Minute 11: Coutinho's shot saved

Jordi Alba's cross from the left was guided towards goal by Coutinho, but his shot went straight into the body of Rui Silva.

Minute 7: Coutinho shoots wide

Coutinho got away from the sliding Guido on the edge of the box but then dragged his shot wide.

Minute 5: Barcelona penalty appeal

Philippe Coutinho nutmegged Guido Rodriguez and then appeared to lose his balance in the area as he attempted a shot. There were a few appeals from the crowd, but it was correctly not given as a penalty.

Minute 2: First attempt of the game

Juanmi got his head on the end of a cross from Aitor Ruibal, but it went straight into the arms of Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

15:15 GMT: Kick-off

Real Betis have got us underway here at the Camp Nou. Stay with us for updates from Barcelona vs Real Betis.

14:40 GMT: Gonzales Fuertes is the Barcelona vs Real Betis referee

Pablo Gonzales Fuertes will be the man in the middle at the Camp Nou this afternoon. This will be his first time in charge of a Real Betis game this season, while he has previously had one other Barcelona match as he was also at the Camp Nou for their 2-1 win over Getafe.

14:15 GMT: The Real Betis line-up is confirmed too

We also have the Real Betis line-up, with the Verdiblancos starting with: Rui Silva; Hector Bellerin, Marc Bartra, Victor Ruiz, Alex Moreno; Guido Rodriguez, Andres Guardado; Aitor Rubial, Sergio Canales, Juanmi; Willian Jose.

13:55 GMT: The Barcelona XI is out, with Pique and De Jong rested

The Barcelona line-up for this game has been announced and Xavi has left Gerard Pique and Frenkie de Jong out, seemingly giving them some rest ahead of the trip to Munich. The starting XI today is: Marc-Andre ter Stegen; Sergino Dest, Ronald Araujo, Clement Lenglet, Jordi Alba; Nico, Sergio Busquets, Gavi; Abde, Memphis, Philippe Coutinho.

13:30 GMT: Xavi's previous results

This is the fourth game so far with Xavi in the Barcelona dugout. So far he has had two wins and one draw, with a 1-0 victory at home to Espanyol, a 0-0 draw at home to Benfica and a 3-1 win away at Villarreal.

13:05 GMT: Make your Barcelona vs Real Betis predictions

How do you think this afternoon's Barcelona vs Real Betis game will play out? You can share your thoughts in the poll below, letting us know if you're predicting a home win, away win or draw.

12:40 GMT: Xavi names his squad

Xavi has named his matchday squad for this Barcelona vs Real Betis game. Jordi Alba makes it after carrying a knock all week, although Alejandro Balde is included too to suggest he could have some minutes at left-back.

12:20 GMT: What are the Barcelona vs Real Betis predicted line-ups?

All eyes will once again be on Barcelona's official social media profiles as we await the latest Xavi line-up. He could throw us another surprise, but the predicted Barcelona line-up is: Ter Stegen; Garcia, Araujo, Pique, Alba; De Jong, Busquets, Nico; Dembele, Memphis, Gavi. As for Real Betis, their probable XI is: Silva; Bellerin, Pezzella, Ruiz, Moreno; Rodriguez, Guardado; Canales, Rodri, Juanmi; Willian Jose.

12:00 GMT: When does Barcelona vs Real Betis start?

This LaLiga Santander match gets going at 16:15 CET local time. That'll be 15:15 GMT in the UK or 10:15 ET on the east coast of the USA. As for where to watch Barcelona vs Real Betis, it'll be on LaLigaTV in the UK and ESPN+ in the USA.

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