Following a very positive midweek, where they completely outclassed Juventus with a vehement performance in the opening matchday of the Champions League, FC Barcelona will be hoping to continue their 100% start in the Laliga as they travel to Coliseum Alfonso Pérez to face Getafe on Saturday.
The Spanish giants were superb in midweek but face a gruelling schedule. After playing on Saturday, they will host Eibar at Camp Nou on Tuesday. Therefore, coach Ernesto Valverde is expected to make some necessary rotation to keep his side fresh ahead of a tough schedule in the month of September.
Here’s the Barcelona predicted lineup for their La Liga clash with Getafe on the weekend.
Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is expected to keep his place in the starting lineup. The German International has been one of the most improved keepers in Spain for the past 12 months. He kept a deserved clean sheet against the Italian champions on Wednesday and will be hoping for more of the same vs Getafe.
Right Back: There are talks of resting new signing Nelson Semedo, but we expect the Portuguese to start on the weekend, for his valiant effort in midweek. The youngster faced some problems in his early days with the club but is finding it easy to settle at his new club it seems.
Center Back(R): Gerard Pique will probably be given a breather after a tireless defensive performance in midweek. He will be replaced by Argentine defender Javier Mascherano in the centre of the defence.
Center Back(L): Samuel Umtiti has found himself to be a regular in the Barcelona defence this season. The Frenchman continues his good run of form and will be hoping for a clean sheet against El Geta.
Left Back: Jordi Alba will feature on the left side of the defence. The Spaniard has been an important asset to Barcelona over the years. However, Lucas Digne is also an option for coach Valverde, if he opts to give Jordi Alba a breather.
Central Defensive Midfield: Sergio Busquets will guard the defence, playing in the holding midfield role. The 29-year-old is a key outlet for the visitors, especially in their transition play as well as getting rid of the counter attacks from the opposition.
Central Midfield(R): Andres Iniesta rolled back the years on Tuesday night with his incredible performance against Juventus. But the midfielder is likely to be given a rest this weekend. Sergi Roberto might come back into the starting lineup after missing the midweek fixture due to illness.
Central Midfield(L): New signing Paulinho is pushing for a start and if Rakitic gets a rest, then do expect to see the Brazilian partnering alongside Sergio Busquets and Sergi Roberto in the Barca midfield.
Right Wing: Ousmane Dembele showed flashes of brilliance against Juventus but could never really manage to particular impress. The French International will be hoping for an upturn in fortunes in his next game against Getafe.
Striker: Luis Suarez has been pretty bad so far, in many ways. The Uruguayan looked very tired against the old lady and he might as well be given a rest vs Getafe. Paco Alcacer is an obvious choice for Ernesto Valverde, but there are doubts over the Spaniard’s match fitness. At the end, there’s a chance we might see Lionel Messi playing as the false nine for Barcelona.
Left Wing: If Messi does happen to play as the number nine, then Gerard Deulofeu will be the obvious choice for Valverde on the wings. The former Everton winger is seeking to make a mark at Barcelona and a good performance against Getafe might spark something brilliant from the 23-year-old.
Here is how they might line up:
