FCBARCELONA.CAT

13.05.2007 10:44

Betis Fighting for Survival

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Barça play Betis this Sunday, the team which find itself in 15th position, five points away from the drop zone and without a win in eight games.

With 35 points, Betis are place 15th in the Liga. They have won seven games, drawn 14 and lost 12. They have scored 31 goals and let in 40. The team from Andalusia, fighting for survival in the top flight, comes into Sunday’s game with one eye on their upcoming clashes against Nastic and Celta.

Difficult times

Betis come to the Camp Nou under difficult circumstances. They are 5 points away from the drop and have not won in eight Liga games. The last win for Luis Fernandez’s team was on the 4th March against Deportivo in La Coruña. Since then, they have drawn five times and lost three. In the last two games, they have been unable to find the net, giving them a goalless draw against Athletico and defeat to Getafe.

Trajectory

The team from Sevilla started life this season badly; winning once, drawing once and losing five times in the first seven games. The record leaving Betis in a precarious position.

Things did not improve much after that and Betis were marked in as candidates for the drop. Javier Irureta’s team arrived at the Christmas break having won three, drawn three and lost eight.

Change of Coach

Tired of criticism and pressure, Javier Irureta left the club following victory against Tarragona, in his place came Luis Fernandez. The man from Tarifa is an expert in picking up teams in trouble and since his arrival, Betis have won four, drawn 10 and lost four. Better statistics than those under Irureta, but not enough to Guarantee safety.

Winter signings

Luis Fernandez was not the only signing in winter. Branko Ilic, from Domzale, came into the defence. 22 year old Argentinean player, Juan Pablo Caffa, came in from Arsenal de Sarandi and finally, Fabrice Pancrate from PSG. The French forward scored one goal and then was injured; keeping him out of the squad for two months, Lembo has since been playing in his place.

One out

Betis come into the tie on Sunday missing just Pancrate through injury. Therefore, Luis Fernandez has his entire squad to choose from. Taking into account his most recent line ups and tests he has done during the week, Luis Fernandez’s starting 11 could be: Contreras in goal; a four man defensive line up of Melli, Juanito, Ilic y Isidoro. Miguel Ángel and Assunçao in the midfield; Capi down the right flank, Rivera in the middle and Edu on the left; and Brazilian Robert as the lone striker.