It is safe to say that FC Barcelona has the Next Big Thing in world football via Lamine Yamal. Only aged 16, he just became Spain’s youngest ever player and goal-scorer. He should retain his place in the first team, for Barcelona, when they host Real Betis on Saturday.
It is quite possible that the teenager will become the focal point, of which they will build moving forward. At least in the final third.
FC Barcelona vs Real Betis FYIs
Kickoff: Sat. Sept. 16, 8pm, Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona, Spain
FC Barcelona Preview Material: Starting XI Prediction Team News
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
TV/Streaming: ESPN+, ESPN Deportes (USA), La Liga TV (UK), TSN+ (Canada)
Last 5 Series History: FC Barcelona 4 Draws 1 Real Betis 0
PL Position, Form: FC Barcelona 3rd, 10 pts, WWWD Real Betis 7th, 7 pts, WLDW
Google Result Probability: FC Barcelona 70% Draw 18% Real Betis 12%
Let’s take a look at who else Xavi should select, along with Yamal, in the first team this weekend. It certainly is a lineup that is filled with footballers on individual award short lists.
Nominees for the Ballon d’Or, FIFA The Best, Kopa Trophy and more abound.
FC Barcelona Starting XI Prediction vs Real Betis
Erik Ter Stegen; Joao Cancelo, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, Alejandro Balde; Oriol Romeu, Frenkie De Jong; Raphinha, Gavi, Lamine Yamal; Robert Lewandowski.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now. Follow the website on Twitter and Instagram.