Introduction
After a disappointing draw against Sevilla, FC Barcelona head to Getafe. While FC Barcelona did have flashes of brilliance against Sevilla, it is safe to say that they did not get the desired result. They also did lack some intensity in their pressing. Consequently, they will look to make amends in their performance against a tricky opposition.
On the other hand, Getafe CF will be looking to make amends too. In their last fixture, Real Sociedad had hammered them by 3 goals to nil.
They will no doubt try to cause someupsets to their heavyweight opposition. Moreover, it is fair enough to say that they are well capable of doing so.
Predicted Lineups
Getafe CF
Defence
Despite conceding 3 goals against Real Sociedad last time, their defence is likely to be unchanged against FC Barcelona.
In goal, David Soria will start the game certainly.
On the left side of the defence, Mathías Olivera should start this game. In the centre of their defence, Etxeita is the most probable option to start alongside Djene. On the right, Damián Suárez should start this game certainly.
Midfield
Getafe usually play with two blocks of four under Bordalas. So, Getafe will most certainly start this game with the same set of four midfielders, with former FC Barcelona player Cucurella starting on the left side of the midfield. In the middle of the park, Nemanja Maksimović should start this game along with Arambarri in the middle of the field. On the right, it should be Nyom who would complete their midfield.
Among the substitutes, David Timor is the most likely of all midfielders to play a part in this game.
Attack
In attack, Cucho Hernandez is the most likely candidate to lead the line alongside Ángel Rodríguez. Amongst substitutes, Enes Ünal and Mata are very likely to come on for Bordalas’ men at some stage in this game.
FC Barcelona
Defence
In goal, Neto would be the starting goalkeeper undoubtedly till Ter Stegen returns to full fitness.
Koeman has been pretty reluctant to change his starting lineup at all. However, he will be forced to do so against Getafe CF. This is due to the fact that their starting left back, Jordi Alba is forced out indefinitely with an injury. As a result, the onus will be on new signing Sergino Dest to fill in at left back, even though he is a right footed player. While FC Barcelona do have a natural left back in Junior Firpo, he has been pretty disappointing in his tenure so far.
In the centre of the defence, Clement Lenglet is expected to return to the starting lineup, despite Araujo having a solid game last time around. However, Araujo could come on as a substitute later on. Partnering Lenglet in the centre of the defence would be veteran defender, Gerard Pique.
At right back, Sergi Roberto will continue as Barcelona do not have much options in defence right now.
Midfield
In the double pivot, Frenkie de Jong should start along with Sergio Busquets.
Amongst substitutes, Puig does have an outside chance to play a part in this game after Pjanic is not available for selection due to an injury.
Attack
In attack, all four of the attackers from the previous game are likely to start.
While Griezmann has indeed been the bleakest of all attackers, he might start this game. This is owing to his workrate.
However, the FC Barcelona management might consider playing someone like Dembele on the right. Trincao is unlikely to play a part in this game after he was in contact with Ronaldo, who tested positive for the COVID-19 few days back.
Although it is an unlikely possibility, but Messi might be benched in this game. He had an extremely tiring international break, and at 33, Koeman will try not to over work him. If Messi does indeed come on as an impact substitute, Griezmann’s chances of starting the game increase significantly.
Amongst substitutes, Pedri might get some more minutes under his belt. The young Spaniard has impressed Koeman in his cameo performances so far, and he is certain to play a part in this game as well.
Conclusion
While FC Barcelona come into this game as favorites on paper, Getafe are not walkovers by any means. They have performed extremely well in La Liga under Bordalas so far.
FC Barcelona do have the advantage in terms of recent history, but Getafe are usually extremely compact and tough to break down. Hence, it promises to be an extremely fascinating contest for neutral spectators.
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