Guardiola had made it clear to his players that he is not going to accept any excuses about International duty for any below par performnace against Real Betis. FC Barcelona will be looking to notch up a eleventh consecutive victory when they play Betis tonight. FC barcelona would not be with their influential captain Puyol; Guardiola has very wisely decided against risking his captain. This means Marquez has to hold the defense tonight after returning back from North America. And Guardiola has made it clear that he don't want to hear any excuse of Jet lag or International duties. Guardiola has announced the squad for tonight - Valdés, Pinto, Alves, Marquez, Piqué, Caceres, Abidal, Sylvinho, Toure, Busquets, Xavi, Keita, Gudjohnsen, Iniesta, Hleb, Messi, Bojan, Eto'o, Henry. Keita is back after the injury and could feature in the starting line up tonight. In the last match against Betis at Camp Nou we won with a narrow margin after spectacularly Barca managing to throw away the game.
Xavi would be equalling the Charly Rexach's record for second most first team appearance for Barca, if he gets a chance to play tonight. Valdes will be the regular goal keeper. Alves, Pique, Marquez and Abidal would be expected to form the defense. Xavi, Toure and Keita is expected to form the midfield. I expect Henry to start from bench tonight, that means Iniesta will occupy the left, with Eto in centre and Messi on the right. It is essential to play Iniesta in tonight's match as it will continue his return back to fitness and form. Betis are lying at 14th currently but at home this could become a tricky challenge for Barca. But if we manage to win here that will put enormous pressure on Madrid as they have to win to keep their title hopes alive.