Verdict: Under 2,5 goals scored – yes
Best Odds: 57/50
Bookmaker: 888sport
FC Barcelona keep doing everything they can to move closer to the league leaders, Real Madrid. Los Blaugranas sit three points behind Los Merengues, but they have a golden chance to try to catch them – for at least a few hours – Saturday when they host Getafe at Camp Nou Stadium. Kick-off for this match has been scheduled at 15:00 GMT.
FC Barcelona
Barcelona enter this game in a thrilling run of form, as they have lost just once in their last 12 Liga matches (W8, D3, L1) and while that might not be enough to put them at the top standings, it’s certainly an encouraging sign moving forward. Quique Setien’s men are coming off a tougher-than-expected 3-2 win at Real Betis last week, and that pushed their winning run in LaLiga to two games following their slip at Valencia on January. As if that wasn’t enough, Barcelona have also won each of their last three league matches at Camp Nou while going undefeated all season long thus far (W10, D1) and sitting comfortable at the top of the home standings. All signs point towards a comfortable Barca win, although depth might be an issue for them considering their recent rash of injuries.
Team News
Barcelona will be considerably depleted on the attacking due to the injuries of both Ousmane Dembele and Luis Suarez. The Frenchman will miss the remainder of the season.
As if that wasn’t enough, backup goalkeeper Neto has also been ruled out of this contest. Arda Turan hasn’t been made available for selection.
Getafe
Barcelona are fighting for the title with Real Madrid, but Getafe certainly deserve the title of being the league’s most impressive side to date. They were expected to be a mid-table squad and, at best, to challenge for a UEFA Europa League. But would anyone have thought they would be sitting in Champions League spots 23 games into the season? Los Azulones currently sit above teams such as Atletico Madrid, Sevilla, Valencia and Real Sociedad, just to name a few. As if that wasn’t enough, last week’s impressive 3-0 win over Valencia extended their winning run in LaLiga to four games. Getafe have not conceded a single goal during that stretch, while scoring two or more goals three times. Some might believe this kind of form is unsustainable and Getafe certainly should be considered a massive underdog here. However, they have enough weapons to pull the upset here.
Team News
Getafe won’t have confirmed absentees ahead of this contest.
They have midfielder Filip Manojlovic doubtful to a back injury, though. The Serbian should be considered as a game-time decision.
Key Factors to Consider
- Surprisingly, Getafe enter this game on a better run of form compared to Barcelona. Los Blaugranas are W3, L1 in all competitions, while Getafe are W4, L1.
- Three of Barcelona’s last five matches have featured over 2.5 goals. But three of Getafe’s last five contests have delivered two or fewer total goals.
- Barcelona have scored exactly two goals in four of their last five matches against Getafe. They have taken the three points every time they have accomplished that goal.
- Los Blaugranas are riding an impressive 16-game undefeated streak against Getafe in all competitions (W13, D3).
- Getafe’s last win against Barcelona came November 26th, 2011. Getafe won that match by a 1-0 score.
Conclusion
Getafe have not conceded a single goal in their last four matches, while Barcelona will be depleted on the attacking end.
Los Blaugranas should win here, but all signs indicate this game will end up being a low-scoring affair.
Verdict: Under 2,5 goals scored – yes
Best Odds: 57/50
Bookmaker: 888sport
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