The Getafe vs Barcelona La Liga match will be played this Sunday, December 22, 2013 (8:00 AM Pacific) at the Alfonso Perez Coliseum. Getafe will welcome La Liga leaders Barcelona in what should be another tough assignment for the Blaugrana.
A tiny club based in Madrid, Getafe have been doing wonders in La Liga over the past few years, and are currently going smoothly as they bid to finish in one of the European spots this season. The visit of Barcelona will be a daunting prospect for Luis García Plaza’s side especially as the Azulones have struggled against the bigger sides this season. However, Getafe do have certain players in their ranks that can cause problems to Tata Martino’s side.
Barcelona got back to winning ways with a hard-fought victory over Villarreal last week. Martino’s men have performed very well to maintain their hold at the summit of La Liga despite all the injuries to their key players. However, with Atletico Madrid pushing the Blaugrana very hard this season, Barca can ill afford a slip up against Getafe on Sunday, otherwise they could see themselves slip down to second place going into the winter break.
GETAFE
Getafe have not been very convincing in front of goal this season, with striker Ciprian Marica having scored only a solitary goal so far. Plaza may be tempted to drop the Romanian in favour of either Lafita or Colunga with both players finding the net in the midweek Spanish Cup tie against Girona.
Pedro Leon and Pablo Sarabia will be providing the creating spark for the striker, while veteran Borja will probably lineup alongside Mosquera and Diego Castro in midfield.
The solid backline of Lago, Alexis, Rafa and Alvaro Arroyo look set to start in defense but centre back Lisandro Lopez will also be in contention after his fine display in midweek.
FC BARCELONA
Barcelona will be without both Lionel Messi and Neymar for the clash, as the Argentine is still out with a muscle injury, while the Brazilian will be forced to sit out due to suspension. Victor Valdes will also be missing due to a calf problem.
In the absence of both Messi and Neymar, Martino will most probably go with the attacking trio of Pedro, Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez. Alex Song was a surprise inclusion in the victory over Villarreal last week and looks set to continue in midfield with Xavi doubtful for the clash due to a hamstring problem. The Cameroonian will play alongside Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta in midfield.
Puyol featured in the midweek clash against Cartagena, but will most likely make way for Marc Bartra in central defense. Adriano and Dani Alves are also available for selection on Sunday.
PROBABLE LINEUPS
Getafe (Probable XI): Moya; Lago, Alexis, Rafa, Arroyo; Leon, Mosquera, Borja, Castro, Sarabia; Colunga
FC Barcelona (Probable XI): Pinto; Alves, Bartra, Piqué, Alba; Busquets, Song, Iniesta; Alexis, Fàbregas, Pedro
FORM
Getafe: L W D L W
FC Barcelona: L W W W W
LAST MEETING
10/02/2013 Barcelona 6 – 1 Getafe
15/09/2012 Getafe 1 – 4 Barcelona
Getafe vs Barcelona Prediction
Despite Getafe performing reasonably well this season, the turnout of fans for their home games has been woeful. The visit of Barcelona will hopefully attract more people to support their side, because they are certainly going to need it.
Barcelona, like they always do, will have the lion share of possession and Getafe should be careful not to concede early. If they can absorb all the pressure in the initial stages of the match, then Barca may well get frustrated as they will be without Messi and Neymar to provide inspiration to get the breakthrough.
With the Madrid side not too prolific in front of goal, Plaza will be hoping that his side can take any chance that comes their way. The likes of Pedro Leon and Sarabia are more than capable of creating opportunities on the break.
However, despite Barca being without Messi and Neymar, Martino has the likes of Pedro and Alexis at his disposal and the two undoubtedly have enough quality to make the difference.
Barcelona should be able to grab a comfortable win even without many of their key players. Getafe 0 – 3 FC Barcelona
Getafe vs Barcelona Television
The Getafe vs Barcelona match will be televised on beIN Sport USA, this Sunday at 8:00 AM.
