Table-topping Barcelona eye back-to-back victories over Getafe.

2024-09-19

Buoyed by a commanding league form, Barcelona, led by their dynamic attack, welcome winless Getafe to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, seeking to maintain their La Liga dominance and extend an impressive unbeaten streak against their visitors.

FC Barcelona

Raphinha's two goals, scored in the 75th and 83rd minutes, along with a single goal from Pablo Torre in the 58th minute, led Barcelona to a commanding 5-1 victory over Villarreal at the weekend. This win left Barcelona as the only team in La Liga with a perfect record after Match Day 6, boasting six wins and no losses.

The triumph provided a fine response to their recent 2-1 Champions League defeat to Monaco. Back on domestic duty midweek, Barcelona will aim to maintain their four-point lead at the top of the table as they face Getafe on Wednesday.

Under former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick, Barcelona has adopted an aggressive attacking style, currently leading La Liga with 22 goals. Flick will be eager to see his team continue their strong form by extending their six-game winning streak in the league. The Catalans have scored 16 goals in their last three league outings.

Previously, Barcelona had struggled to score in two games before they convincingly defeated Getafe 4-0 at home. Another victory would give them back-to-back wins against Getafe and extend their unbeaten run to eight games against the visitors in La Liga, having avoided defeat in their last seven meetings.

Barcelona is expected to field a 4-2-3-1 formation, with La Liga's top scorer Robert Lewandowski leading the attack. Ferran Torres will rejoin the squad following his suspension, while Dani Olmo and four others are sidelined with injuries. However, Frenkie De Jong and Gavi have returned to training.

Getafe

A penalty from Borja Mayoral in the 83rd minute helped Getafe earn a precious point in a 1-1 draw against the newly promoted Leganes. Jorge Sáenz had put Leganes ahead in the 76th minute before Getafe restored parity in front of the home crowd.

The visitors are in 18th place, with 4 points on the board from 0 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses. Along with Las Palmas, they are one of only two sides without a win in La Liga this season.

While finding a win remains unlikely in their visit to Barcelona, Getafe could draw inspiration from having earned a point in three of their last five games against the hosts (0 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses). Assistant manager Patri will be in charge once again after head coach José Bordalás received a two-match ban for dissent in the 2-1 loss to Betis on matchday 5.

A defensive 5-3-2 formation should be in place for this midweek clash. Nabil Aberdin and Álvaro Rodríguez are both ruled out.