Barcelona head coach Tito Vilanova seems to be in good shape heading into Sunday's match against Real Betis. He is slated to get Dani Alves, Marc Batra, and Alexis Sanchez back for the match to help his teammates.
Lionel Messi could play on Sunday, but the uncertainty could have been tantamount had he suffered a great injury during Wednesday's UEFA Champions League Match against Benfica. Messi came in with a half hour remaining on the click and soon collided with Benfica Keeper Patricio and was taken off the field on stretchers. However, he was back at the gym the next morning and by all indications is in great state.
His team meanwhile faces one of its first major tests in a while when they take on Real Betis on Sunday. Though Barcelona has not lost this season, they are away at Betis, a team that shut down Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid a few weeks ago at home. They are currently in fourth place in the Spanish League by virtue of eight wins, one draw, and five losses. In the Madrid game, they frustrated Ronaldo and if Messi doesn't play, it is possible that they will be able to provide an even more balanced defense in which they will not need to focus on just one player.
Prediction: Barcelona will not go the entire season without a loss. Something has to give and Betis should become the first team to give them a good run. 1-0 Real Betis.
Start Time: 3 PM EST
TV Info: beIN Sport USA
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