Upcoming Opponents: Real Betis

Team name: Real Betis Balompié S.A.D.

Recent form: W-W-W-L-W

One to watch: Jonathan

Competition: La Liga

Fixture date: 15th January 2012

Stadium: Camp Nou

Barcelona's next game comes against tenth placed Real Betis. The Béticos have been experiencing a good run of form lately winning five in their last six games. Their good form has been in no small part thanks to the forward Jonathan who uses his incredible pace to breeze past defenders.

Puyol and Piqué could be a step too far though as Barcelona have yet to concede at home in the league this season. Leaving them with an aggregate score of 39-0. Barcelona also have a very good record at home this season. In nine games they have won eight and drawn one with no losses.

It would be a very big shock were Betis to leave with three points. Especially as Barça can not afford to lose any more ground in the race to catch Real Madrid.

Guardiola will have a tough selection choice to make after progressing in the Copa del Rey on Thursday night sees them play Real Madrid on Wednesday. With the first leg being a tricky away tie at the Bernabau, Guardiola may have to field a less then full strength side to ensure his first team is ready for the Clásico.

Real Betis have lost too many games this season for manager Pepe Mel's liking. Their league record stands at seven wins, one draw and nine losses. Which means they are only six points clear of the drop zone.

Another cause for concern is their leaky defence. Real Betis have conceded 22 goals this season with only 19 goals scored in reply. This gives them a goal difference of -3, a number sure to drop when the attacking qualities of Messi and Sánchez arrive on Sunday.

Barcelona were hopeful that they would be able to cut the title gap down to two points after Madrid went into half time 1-0 down to Mallorca. But Madrid rallied and after a goal a piece from Higuaín and Callejon, Real Madrid left with the three points.

Guardiloa will have to be careful about resting players for the mid-week Clásico because Betis are not a side easily pushed aside and Barça can't afford to drop any more points in this exciting tittle race.