After claiming their first silverware of the season, Barcelona continues their quest for the La Liga title race when they welcome Getafe at home this week. The match schedules for Thursday at Camp Nou, with kickoff at 11 pm.
The Catalan giants executed revenge on Athletic Bilbao by thrashing 4-0 in last weekend’s Copa del Rey, whereas Getafe managed to take a point from their goalless stalemate with Real Madrid.
There is no question that it is hard to be a troubled season for the campaign. It started with rows of departure of talisman Lionel Messi, the resignation of two managers, exit from the Champions League and joining the European Super League.
A taste of silverware was the silver lining for Barcelona in the end. Messi continued showing his class by bagging a brace with goals from Antoinne Griezzman and Frenkie de Jong, landing them the Copa del Rey silverware.
The Copa del Rey titles are bread and butter for Lionel Messi, with the 33-year-old playing his part in six consecutive league victories for the Blaugrana before their El Clasico clash with Real Madrid. Their rivals currently at the top of the La Liga table, with five points separating them from the title lead.
On the other hand, Thibaut Courtois came through for the Los Blancos in their last outing with Getafe after a spirited performance from the visitors. The side had to settle for a point against the champions in a 0-0 draw.
Barcelona vs Getafe Head to Head
Both sides have 31 games against each other, with Barcelona with 21 wins while Getafe with four wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Athletic Bilbao 0-4 Barcelona
Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona
Barcelona 1-0 Real Vallavoid
Real Soceidad 1-6 Barcelona
Barcelona 4-1 Huesca
Away
Getafe 0-0 Real Madrid
Getafe 0-1 Cadiz
Osasuna 0-0 Getafe
Getafe 1-1 Elche FC
Getafe 0-0 Atletico Madrid
Barcelona Team News
The only injury absentees at the camp include Ansu Fati, Phillipe Coutinho and backup goalkeeper Neto. Koeman might get tempted to rotate before the weekend’s visit to Villarreal. Given the quick turnaround, Koeman might opt for a back three made up of Clement Lenglet and Oscar Mingueza.
Getafe Team News
Left-back Allan Nyom picked up his tenth booking of the season and remains unavailable for this clash. Damien Suarez becomes the most likely candidate to fill in defence. Carles Alena gets plaudits for a previous performance against the parent club.
Prediction and Odds
The visitors have a good defensive setup, but it will take more to overcome their deficiencies in the attack.
Barcelona Win
Goals Over 2.5
First to Score: Home
