17:30 Sunday

This is the first in a series of long shot bets from football tipster Mark O’Haire, who will be picking out his favourite selection for the weekend at odds of 5/1 (6.0) or greater.

For Mark's Premier League predictions for this weekend, click here.

Football Tips This Weekend from Mark O’Haire 

Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez is under severe pressure to improve both performances and results. The Blaugrana coach was heavily criticised for Barca’s humiliating 4-1 defeat at the hands of rivals Real Madrid in the Super Cup last Sunday and has called on his misfiring players to stand up and be counted in the hope of saving the Catalans’ ailing campaign.

Occupying fourth in the La Liga standings, Atletico Madrid sit only three points behind Barcelona with surprise packages Girona and Athletic joining Real in the current top-three. Understandably, the Blaugrana board are getting itchy feet – were Barca to miss out on Champions League qualification, the repercussions could be catastrophic for the club.

Despite Xavi’s protestations, Barcelona haven’t performed consistently to their sky-high standards since September and the Catalan giants look vulnerable favourites for a tricky trip to Real Betis on Sunday night. Barca have already failed to succeed in five of nine away La Liga outings, recording just two league clean sheets on their travels this term.

This will be Barcelona’s third successive away day in the space of a week with Xavi’s group playing in Saudi Arabia last Sunday, involved in Copa del Rey action in Salamanca on Thursday night before their visit to Seville this weekend. In contrast, Betis have enjoyed a full week of rest and preparation following last Saturday’s home win over Granada.

Manuel Pellegrini’s men have already proven a tough nut to crack at their Benito Villamarin base with Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Girona all playing out stalemates here, whilst Betis have suffered just three La Liga defeats across all venues, highlighting their capability. With a rip-roaring atmosphere expected in Seville, the hosts should not be dismissed.

Long Shot: Real Betis/Draw (Half-Time/Full-Time) @ 15/1 on BetVictor 

Real Betis appeal as 10/3 (888) underdogs; however, the 15/1 (BetVictor) available on Real Betis/Draw in the Half-Time/Full-Time market is worthy of a Long Shot interest considering the evidence surrounding Barcelona’s slow La Liga starts.

Remarkably, Barca have led at the interval in just four of their 19 league dates thus far, including only once in nine away days. The Catalans have been in front at the 75-minute mark in just three of those fixtures, often requiring a late battle back to pinch points.

Since September, Barcelona have trailed at half-time in four of six games as guests, three of which concluded as draws, with the Blaugrana turning one deficit into victory. With Xavi’s outfit enduring an energy-sapping week, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see the visitors make another slow start, coming to the fore after the interval when fresh legs arrive.

Meanwhile, the draw has to be considered having already paid-out in half of Betis’ 20 league encounters, as well as providing profit in five of Barcelona’s nine away trips.