Introduction
The La Liga Santander title race is on fire. There is hardly any gap separating the top 4. Not only the battle at the top but the fight for survival in the league is also very neck to neck. The slightest margin separates 5 teams who are facing the threat of relegation. With 8 games to go every game affects the dynamics of League. And in such a thrilling scenario Mid-week Title Contenders FC Barcelona Faces Getafe who are fighting for their survival in the league.
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Why we should watch out?
With both Madrid teams 6 points clear of them on the top of the table. With games in hand, Barcelona will try to push its way up to the top would like to insert pressure on league leaders. Getafe on the other hand will look to pull an upset and run away clear from the relegation zone. With so much on stake, this surely is a match you won’t want to miss.
Build Up
Barcelona
After an unfamiliar start of the campaign in 2020. The Catalans totally looked out of the title contention. But as 2021 arrived the Blaugranas hit the winning patch. After being undefeated in all the league games for 4 months. The defeat against Real Madrid was a big setback for their title hopes. With the league being so close and Madrid dropping points this weekend the fortune of Blaugranas still remains in their hands. Their Copa Del Rey win in Seville will be a big confidence booster and Koeman will try to gather his team for the final battle for the league.
Barcelona’s Current Form (Last 5 Games)- L,W,W,W,W.
Getafe
The story for Getafe is completely different from that of Barcelona. Being heavily inconsistent Gefate finds themselves in some real trouble sitting just 4 points above the relegation zone. With them fighting for their survival a draw against Real Madrid in local Derby last weekend was a big confidence booster. The Madrid-based club will be looking to bring the best fight possible with every sought of energy left in them.
Getafe’s Current Form (Last 5 Games)- D,L,D,D,D
3 points means so crucial for both of these teams in different aspects. Hence, A great tustle awaits us.
Team News and Predicted Lineup
Barcelona
With the European Super League Saga going around and Barcelona being involved in it very much. It will be interesting how Koeman and his boys Keep their focus and chase their La Liga Goal. The return of Gerrad Pique will be a big boost for Barcelona to strengthen its backline. However, the club will miss the services of striker Martin Braithwaite who picked up an Injury in Tuesday’s training session. other names to miss out on are Coutinho Fati and even Neto in a doubt for this game.
Predicted Line-up
Formation: 3-5-2
GK- Ter Stegen
Defence- Oscar Miguenza , Gerard Pique , Clement Lenglet
Midfield- Sergiño Dest, Sergio Busquets, Frenkie De Jong, Pedri, Jordi Alba
Attack- Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann.
Getafe
With confidence highly boosted with the draw against Real Madrid. Getafe Will try to put the same performance on the card against Barcelona. The Madrid-based clubs will however miss the services of Dario Poveda, Cucho, and Erick Cabaco who are sidelined with injuries. While Allan Nyom is suspended for this game.
Predicted Line-up
Formation: 4-4-2
GK- David Soria
Defence- Damian Suarez, Djene David Timor Mathías Olivera
Midfield – Carles Alena Mauro Arambarri Nemanja Maksimović Marc Cucurella;
Attack – Jaime Mata and Angel Rodrigues
Previous Encounter
The 1st time these 2 sides met this season in La Liga was back in October where Getafe pulled a 1-0 upset at home. However, Barca has never lost both the game against Getafe in a single campaign. In addition to it, they are undefeated at Camp Nou against them with 11 Wins and 4 Draws.
Players To Watch out For
Barcelona
Lionel Messi
Whenever the tougher challenge approaches them, the Catalans look for their Capitan to step up. The Barca No.10 was inspirational in CDR Final this weekend where he bagged a brace to steal the title for the Blaugranas. Cules will be wishing for a similar show which will surely help them to grab 3 crucial points.
Gerrad Pique
The veteran CB returned to Action this weekend in CDR final after a long time and was solid at the back as always. Pique is set to make his long-awaited return in the league. His experience will be a valuable addition to Barcelona’s Backline which will add massive strength to the team.
Getafe
Marc Cururella
Cururella was instrumental with his fighting performance against Real Madrid this weekend. The La Masia graduate returns to face his boyhood club at a ground he must be familiar with. Being part of the Barca youth System Cururella’s game awareness will be the key to open doors for some valuable points.
Carles Alena
Like Cururella, Alena also returns to Camp Nou to face his boyhood club. Alena was loaned to Getafe this winter transfer window as he wasn’t fit in the Manager’s plan. The Spanish midfielder will try his best to show the Blaugranas what they missed by letting him go by putting some classic football in display.
Conclusion
Two teams desperately in need of points will put in them all to snatch the Win. in this La Liga clash. However, Looking at the current form the Catalans are favorites to clinch the encounter. We at Ball The Matters predict a 3-0 win in Favour of FC Barcelona. However, The underdogs are capable of pulling a massive upset at Camp Nou. Hence, everybody should get ready for one Magically entertaining night of Football.
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Let’s go Barca