Barça are currently on shaky grounds in terms of form and should be edging to return to winning ways as they make the journey to the ever dreaded Coliseum Alfonso Perez.
Following the disappointing exit from the Copa del Rey, they played out a goalless draw at the Camp Nou against Catalan rivals Girona. With Real Madrid snatching up 3 points last night against Cadiz, and a home game against the vibrant Atleti up next, today's game is perfectly positioned to mark a return to form ahead of a very crucial run to the title.
Their opponents are as dogged as they come. Getafe are currently embroiled in the relegation battle, as they often are, but they have recently picked up form at home with 3 home wins on a spin coming into this one. They've always been difficult opponents for Barcelona, and with their own goals to fight for, they will be going all out for the 3 points.
INTERESTING STATS
-Barcelona have kept a clean sheet in seven of their last nine La Liga matches.
-Barcelona won seven of their last nine La Liga meetings with Getafe.
-Barcelona have failed to win and score in their last two visits to Getafe in La Liga (D1 L1).
-Getafe boasts three wins from their last three home games and is unbeaten in four.
-The hosts have avoided a defeat in seven of their last nine encounters.
TEAM NEWS
Getafe
Key central midfielder Mauro Arambarri has missed Getafe’s last five games with a muscle injury, and Sunday’s game would come too soon for him while forward Jaime Mata remains in the recovery room. Otherwise, coach Quique Sanchez Flores has no other problems.
Djene Ortega, Domingos Duarte, and Omar Alderete will sit in front of goalkeeper David Soria, with the wing-back duo of Damian Suarez and Cristian Portu completing the back five.
Nemanja Maksimovic and Luis Milla will look to screen the back-five to form a compact, counter-attacking shape. Their attack should consist of Enes Unal, Munir El-Haddadi, and Borja Mayoral.
Barcelona
The Catalans remain without Pedri, Frenkie, Christensen and Dembele, even though Xavi confirmed that most of them are ready to make a return.
Few changes will be expected from the lineup against Girona. Marc Andre TerStegen continues in goal, Araujo, Kounde, Eric and Balde should complete the defense.
Roberto wasn't convincing in midfield against Girona and could be replaced by Kessie, even though the ivorian is a card away from potentially missing the game against Atleti. Busquets and Gavi complete the Midfield, while Torres may come in for Fati and join Raphinha and Lewandowski in attack.
Where are Getafe vs Barcelona playing?
Location: Madrid, Spain
Stadium: Coliseum Alfonso Perez
Date: Sunday 16 April
Kick-off Time: 15:15 BST / 10:15 ET / 08:25 PT, 15:15 🇳🇬
Referee: Juan Luis Pulido Santana
While Barcelona are favored to win here, Getafe can't be taken for granted. Both teams will be desperate for the win in order to achieve their varied goals, so it will come down to quality on the pitch, who takes the most chances and makes the least mistakes.
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