Spanish football heads to the Middle East this week for the 2022/23 Supercopa de Espana, which sees Barcelona, Real Madrid, Real Betis and Valencia battling it out for the annual trophy – now in its fourth season as a four-team knockout mini-tournament.
To qualify for the semi-finals, Real Madrid and Real Betis are La Liga and Copa del Rey champions, respectively, while Barcelona and Valencia were runners-up in those competitions last season.
Barcelona have played in more Supercopa finals (24) than any other club and have also won it more than any other club (13). However, they have not lifted the trophy since 2018.
Meanwhile, Real Betis have not played a Supercopa match since 2005.
Real Betis team news
At 41, Joaquin plays only sparingly these days. But he could get the nod here, having been afforded an hour in the Copa del Rey earlier this month and played in Real Betis’ last Supercopa appearance way back in 2005.
Nabil Fekir had to come off in the closing stage of the weekend win over Rayo Vallecano, while Alex Moreno is in the process of completing a transfer to Aston Villa. Claudio Bravo could get the nod in goal, having played in the Europa League and Copa del Rey this season.
Real Betis predicted lineup vs Barcelona
Real Betis starting 11 (4-2-3-1): Bravo; Ruibal, Pezzella, Gonzalez, Miranda; Carvalho, Rodriguez; Joaquin, Canales, Juanmi; Iglesias.
Barcelona team news
Barcelona have Robert Lewandowski back for this one after he missed the weekend through suspension. The prolific Pole still has two more games to serve, but the ban only applies to La Liga.
Jordi Alba also returns after suspension in La Liga. Ferran Torres is available, despite being sent off in a flashpoint against Atletico.
Barcelona predicted lineup vs Real Betis
Barcelona Starting 11 (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Kounde, Garcia, Christensen, Alba; Gavi, Busquets, Pedri; Dembele, Lewandowski, Fati.
