Barça’s Bold Bet: De Jong Returns as Flick Navigates Betis in a Make-or-Break La Liga Clash
6 December 2025
Key lineup expectations as Barca head to Betis
Barcelona travel to Real Betis for a pivotal La Liga clash in round 15, aiming to sustain the upward rhythm that has kept them atop the table. Under coach Hansi Flick, the team seeks to maintain the positive momentum from recent victories that have given them solitary leadership.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barca arrive with high spirits after reclaiming a group of impactful players, headlined by Frenkie de Jong, who has recovered from a fever that sidelined him for the Atletico Madrid match.
Despite this welcome return, Flick faces a blow with Dani Olmo’s shoulder dislocation, ruling him out for more than a month as the player had been delivering strong form and regaining fitness.
Fermin Lopez also returns to the squad bound for Betis, though minutes remain uncertain; he is likely to start on the bench, which gives Flick flexible midfield options.
Reports suggest that the standout shows from Eric Garcia and Pedri in the previous game provide Flick with extra reassurance ahead of Betis, with a strong possibility that De Jong starts off the bench to preserve his conditioning.
In midfield construction, with Olmo out and Ferrán not fully ready to start, Flick has several options, most notably Casado, who lined up as a playmaker in a balanced defensive setup last time out.
The youngster Dru Ward’s inclusion remains a possibility, particularly since Flick trusted him in two prior starts, though the challenge of facing Betis could make fielding a 17-year-old a calculated risk.
In attack, Flick may hand Ferran Torres another chance as a central striker, while aiming to rest Robert Lewandowski ahead of a midweek Champions League clash.
Lamine Yamal continues on the right, with Rafinha on the left, and the option to deploy him as a playmaker and involve Marcus Rashford up front if needed.
Defensively, the enduring center-back partnership of Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin remains, while Flick relies on Jules Conde and Alejandro Balde at full-back, a quartet that has shown good cohesion in recent weeks.
The expected Barcelona lineup vs Betis:
Starting XI (as anticipated):
Goalkeeper: Juan Garcia
Defense: Conde – Cubarsi – Gerard Martin – Balde
Midfield: Eric Garcia – Pedri – Casado
Attack: Rafinha – Ferran Torres – Lamine Yamal
In midfield playmaking, with Olmo out and Ferrán not fully ready, Erik Garcia and Pedri’s performance last game offers Flick a sense of security, even if De Jong could start on the bench to safeguard energy ahead of the midweek European tie.
