Barcelona welcome Getafe to Camp Nou on Saturday for their eighth Liga match of the season, with the Catalan side arriving in impressive attacking form. Getafe, meanwhile, must deal with a number of absentees before the meeting.
Joan Garcia is expected to return in goal after suffering an injury shortly before the international break. Barcelona’s defensive options have been affected by further fitness concerns, with Andreas Christensen back in the treatment room.
Bardghji, who has suffered cruciate ligament damage, could miss the rest of the season, while Frenkie de Jong is hoping to return in November. Eric Garcia, who came back early from international duty, is nevertheless expected to be fit for the match.
Raphinha has been one of Barcelona’s main attacking threats, having scored 14 goals and supplied three assists in all competitions. Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Adeyemi and Gordon also provide options in the final third, while Xavi Espart and Gabriel Jesus are continuing to build their form.
Barcelona’s probable XI
Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia
Defenders: Eric Garcia, Cubarsi, Martin, Espart
Midfielders: Rodri, Pedri, Lopez
Forwards: Raphinha, Yamal, Adeyemi
Getafe will welcome back Mario Martin following his suspension. However, Abqar, Kiko Femenia, Uche and Juanmi remain unavailable for the Madrid-based club.
Getafe made significant changes to their squad during the summer, bringing in several reinforcements. Among the new arrivals were Gudelj, Mojica, Sazonov, Terrats, Mangala, Enes Unal and Satriano.
The club was also linked with Dani Carvajal during the week. Reports suggested Getafe had reached an agreement with the defender, who has been a free agent since leaving Real Madrid, but the club’s president denied that any contact had taken place with the player or his representatives.
Getafe’s probable XI
Goalkeeper: Soria
Defenders: Garcia, Djene Dakonam, Gudelj, Romero, Mojica
Midfielders: Francho, Mangala, Terrats
Forwards: Unal, Azon
Barcelona and Getafe will meet in the eighth round of the Spanish league season. The quoted pre-match betting odds make Barcelona strong favourites at 1.06, with a draw priced at 16.00 and a Getafe victory at 29.00.