Barcelona endeavors to extend their undefeated streak across all competitions to six matches as they prepare to host Getafe at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in La Liga on Saturday afternoon.
Under the leadership of Xavi, Barcelona currently holds the third position in the league standings, trailing division leaders Real Madrid by eight points. Conversely, Getafe occupies the 10th position, standing six points adrift of the sixth-placed Real Sociedad.
Match preview
Since announcing his departure at the end of the season, Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernández has overseen an impressive run of form, guiding the Blaugrana to five consecutive matches without defeat. This resurgence sees them currently sit third in La Liga, eight points behind leaders Real Madrid.
Their latest outing was a 1-1 draw against Napoli in the Champions League Round of 16 first leg, and they now face a trio of league fixtures before the return match on March 12th. Delivering the Champions League trophy before his departure would be a remarkable feat for Xavi.
While Barcelona have struggled at their temporary home this season, losing three times in the league, Getafe’s away record is equally concerning. They have managed only one win and ten points from 13 away games.
Historically, Getafe have posed a significant challenge to Barcelona, holding them to goalless draws in three of their last four La Liga meetings and only losing 1-0 in the corresponding fixture last season.
Currently sitting in 10th place, Getafe have exceeded expectations this season, collecting 34 points from their 25 league matches. A European finish is not out of reach, as they are only six points behind sixth-placed Real Sociedad.
Coming into this match, Getafe have drawn three of their last four away games, including a 3-3 thriller against Atletico Madrid. They have also only lost once in their last five La Liga outings.
This clash promises an intriguing encounter, with Barcelona looking to extend their unbeaten run and maintain their title challenge, while Getafe aim to continue their impressive form and potentially secure a European berth.
Team News
Barcelona enter their upcoming La Liga fixture against Getafe with a near clean bill of health, with only four players unavailable for selection. Head coach Xavi Hernandez enjoys a plethora of options for squad rotation following a strong performance against Napoli in the Champions League.
Key absentees for Barcelona include Ferran Torres, Alejandro Balde, Gavi, and Marcos Alonso. However, the return of Joao Felix and Sergi Roberto bolsters the squad, with the former potentially seeing playing time in the later stages of the match. Xavi may consider introducing Raphinha in the final third, although the fitness of 16-year-old Lamine Yamal will require monitoring.
Getafe, on the other hand, face injury concerns that could hamper their performance. Mauro Arambarri is ruled out for the season with a knee injury, while Fabricio Angileri remains a doubt due to muscular issues. Additionally, Jordi Martin’s status is uncertain after being substituted against Villarreal, potentially paving the way for Carles Alena to start.
Manchester United loanee Mason Greenwood, heavily linked with a summer move to Barcelona, is expected to feature in the Getafe starting lineup.
Barcelona possible starting lineup
Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, I Martinez, Cancelo; Gundogan, Christensen, F de Jong; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Pedri
Getafe possible starting lineup
Soria; Iglesias, Dakonam, Alderete, Rico; Greenwood, Maksimovic, Milla, Alena; Mayoral, Mata