La Liga leaders Barcelona will be looking to maintain their perfect domestic record as they host a struggling Getafe side at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Wednesday night.
Under new manager Hansi Flick, the club has been unstoppable, winning all six of their opening matches this season.
However, their growing injury list could pose a challenge, especially with Marc-Andre ter Stegen now ruled out for the long term due to a knee injury.
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For fans eager to get involved, Jambobet, the best prediction site for real-time sports analysis, offers exciting live betting options for this midweek clash.
Despite the mounting injury concerns, Barca remain overwhelming favorites to extend their winning streak, while Getafe, currently languishing in 18th place, are still seeking their first win of the season.
With Barca’s attacking flair and Getafe’s defensive struggles, this game promises to be an intriguing contest.
The biggest concern for Barca heading into this match is the recent loss of goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who will miss several months after sustaining a long-term knee injury.
The German shot-stopper has been crucial for Barca in recent seasons, and his absence will force Hansi Flick to rely on backup goalkeeper Inaki Pena, who now faces the challenge of filling Ter Stegen’s gloves.
In addition to Ter Stegen, Barca are also missing several key players. Andreas Christensen, Dani Olmo, Marc Bernal, Ronald Araujo, and Fermin Lopez are all out of action, while Frenkie de Jong and Gavi are slowly working their way back to full fitness after returning to training.
However, Ferran Torres, who was suspended for the Villarreal game, will be available to add firepower to the attack.
Despite these absences, Flick’s side has demonstrated resilience, with young talents stepping up to ensure that the club remain competitive.
Players like Pedri and Raphinha have taken on more responsibility in midfield and attack, playing pivotal roles in the team’s success so far this season.
On the opposite end, Getafe have endured a tough start to the 2024/25 La Liga campaign. The team has yet to register a win after six matches and currently sits in 18th place, a position they’ll be eager to climb out of.
Jose Bordalas, who enjoyed success with Getafe during his first spell as manager, has struggled to replicate that form in his second tenure. The team’s defensive approach, which once made them formidable opponents, has not translated into positive results this season.
Getafe’s problems have been compounded by injuries, though their situation is not as dire as Barca’s. They will likely be without Nabil Aberdin, who has been nursing a muscle injury, and Alvaro Rodriguez, who is sidelined with an ankle issue.
The former Real Madrid starlet has yet to make his debut for Getafe, and his absence has been felt in their lack of creativity going forward.
Former Barca winger Carles Perez is expected to feature for Getafe, returning to his former club. Perez, alongside striker Borja Mayoral, will be key in trying to unlock Barca’s defense. However, with Getafe’s lack of goal-scoring prowess, they face an uphill battle against a Barca side that is in top form.
Despite the injuries, Barca have an abundance of talent to call upon. Pedri, in particular, has been outstanding in midfield, dictating play and providing the creative spark that has driven Barca’s attacking success.
His ability to link up with forwards and control the tempo of the game will be essential in breaking down Getafe’s defensive block.
Robert Lewandowski remains the focal point of Barca’s attack, with his goal-scoring instincts making him a constant threat.
While he has been clinical this season, Barca’s wide players, such as Raphinha and Ferran Torres, will also play key roles in stretching Getafe’s defense and creating space for Lewandowski.
With Marc-Andre ter Stegen out, the spotlight will be on Inaki Pena between the posts. Although relatively untested at this level, Pena will need to stay sharp to ensure Barcelona maintain their defensive solidity.
Getafe’s Game Plan and Key Threats
For Getafe, the key will be maintaining a compact defensive shape and limiting Barca’s space in the final third. They will likely set up in a 5-4-1 formation, focusing on frustrating Barca and looking for opportunities to counterattack. Borja Mayoral, who leads their line, will need to capitalize on any mistakes made by Barca’s defense.
Former Barca player Carles Perez will be another key figure for Getafe. His familiarity with Barca’s style of play could prove useful as he tries to find gaps in their backline.
Additionally, Getafe’s midfield pairing of Luis Milla and Uche Agbo will be tasked with disrupting Barca’s rhythm and breaking up their fluid passing game.
Tactical Preview: How Barca Can Dominate
Barca are expected to dominate possession, as they have in most games under Hansi Flick. With a 4-2-3-1 formation, Barca will likely press high up the pitch, looking to win the ball back quickly and keep Getafe pinned in their own half.
The pace and creativity of Raphinha and Yamal out wide, combined with Lewandowski’s movement in the box, will be the key to breaking down Getafe’s deep-lying defense.
In midfield, Pedri will look to dictate the game, and with Gavi slowly returning to fitness, Barca will have plenty of energy in the middle of the park. The defensive duo of Kounde and Martinez will be crucial in snuffing out any counterattacks from Getafe.
Jambobet Prediction: Barcelona 2-1 Getafe
Given the form of both sides, it’s hard to see anything other than a comfortable Barca victory. Even with their injury problems, Barca have the firepower to break down Getafe’s struggling defense.
Expect Barcelona to control the game from the outset, with Lewandowski and Pedri leading the charge. Jambobet predicts a 2-1 victory for Barcelona, as they look to maintain their perfect start to the season.
