Barcelona will be looking to continue their unbeaten run in the league when they take on Real Betis on Sunday. Their main title rivals Real Madrid won their match this weekend in style after a 5-1 thrashing of Real Sociedad. This has put a little pressure on Barcelona to take three points. Lionel Messi is also under pressure to score his first goal in the league after a long time. The Argentine superstar has not scored in the last four league matches. Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino has revealed that this will not be an easy match for them.

Even though Real Betis are bottom of the table, he expects the home team to put a strong fight in the match. The home team have won just two matches all season long and are rooted to the bottom of the table. Martino has confirmed that two main players – Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets – will not be involved for Barcelona. Pique has been left home, while Busquets will be left out of this match in order to rest him. These absences may mean that former Arsenal midfielder Alex Song may get an opportunity to impress in the middle of the park.

The Cameroon international has seen very little first-team action since moving to Barcelona.

“I expect Betis to come out for us, especially playing at home. They have some great players, and although their league results haven’t been too good, they’re doing well in Europe. We expect a very difficult match. Betis are dangerous because they’re a good team. Their league position doesn’t matter. Whoever saw how they played against Madrid in the first match knows they have a good team. I have a high opinion of Song,” said Martino ahead of the match.

Barcelona also have to worry about Atletico Madrid, who are very close to them in the table.