Better beat Betis

Tonight and I mean tonight as although it's Wednesday FCB play Betis at 2200hrs in the Kings Cup quater-finals first leg. The winners playing either Almeria or Deportivo to get to a final where they will face the winners of the Real Madrid/Athletico Madrid and Villareal/Sevilla ties. In theory FCB have defeated the biggest rival in Athletic Club Bilbao (0-0,1-1 going through on away goals) and should now make it to a final, presumably against the Men in White.

The Bernabeu was the scene of the last meeting between the two clubs in an epic cup final that went into extra time with Barça winning 3-2 and Mourinho, then assistant to Sir Bobby Robson, swearing a lifelong devotion to FCB. They have not met over the last 2 seasons because Betis were relegated in 2009. That said, Betis are currently top of the 2nd division and 6 points clear of third placed Rayo Vallecano. They will be looking to finish in the top two places which mean automatic promotion rather than in the next four play-off positions after last year losing out to Hércules and Levante on results between the 3 teams.

Look out for Rubén Castro, their top scorer so far this season with 13 goals and midfield playmaker Salve Sevilla. They will be missing their key, driving midfielder in Emana though. Their manager, Pep Mel, says that the tie is 50/50 and although I'm not sure exactly what he means by that Betis have knocked out Zaragoza and Getafe to get this far.

FC Barcelona will have the full monty available for this game with Xavi (who should have been World Player 2010), Alves and Busquets due to return after being rested in the Depor game. I think we may also get a good look at Allefay who has already been given minutes by Guardiola in a demostration of the massive faith he has in him. Pep will want to get a few foals in the bag so that the second leg is not as energy-sapping as the match in San Mames. Messi will be given the World Player award on the pitch before the game and there is no truth in the rumour that as part of a cost-cutting exercise FIFA have also sent over the trophies for the next 5 seasons as well. Lets face it, FIFA is one of the few institutions in the world that do not understand the meaning of the C word.

Expect a game with plenty of goals and....

Prediction:

FCB 3-1 Betis