Verdict: Barcelona win
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Looking to lay down an early marker on Sunday night, Barcelona will travel to the Coliseum Alfonso Perez when they meet Getafe for their opening La Liga showdown.
Getafe
Starting with the hosts, while Getafe might have mounted a late charge as they eventually clung to their La Liga status, the Blues endured what was another La Liga struggle last season. Only mustering just a trio of wins from any of their final 12 top-flight appearances, Jose Bordalias’ men certainly gained a reputation for their extended inconsistencies on either side of the World Cup’s winter break. Knowing that they face a huge challenge when they get their La Liga adventure underway on Sunday night, many around the Coliseum Alfonso Perez are fearing that their side could be destined for another bottom-three scrap this time around. Despite snatching a 0-0 stalemate when they welcomed Barcelona to town back on April 16th, Getafe will be worried by a downbeat record against the reigning Spanish champions. In fact, Bordalias’ side have won just one of their last 23 straight meetings – a run that stems all the way back to November 2011.
Team News
Both completing respective moves from Hertha Berlin and Real Sociedad, both Omar Alderete and Portu will make their full Getafe debuts at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez.
Likewise, making the move from domestic rivals Cadiz this summer on a free transfer, 30-year-old Choco Lozano could spearhead Bordalias’ attack on Sunday night. One-time Sevilla shot-stopper David Soria will start between the sticks here.
Barcelona
As for the visitors, making real La Liga history last season as they got their hands on a first La Liga crown since 2019, Barcelona have their sights firmly set n mounting another domestic romp this time around. Eventually dethroning bitter rivals Real Madrid thanks to a remarkable 10-point buffer, Xavi’s men should be redlining a return to top-flight duties on Sunday night. Although the Spanish icons might have signed off the 2022/23 campaign by winning just one of their final five showdowns away from the Nou Camp, Barca certainly gained a reputation for their continued success at the back. Shipping just 20 goals in their 38 La Liga appearances last season, Xavi’s squad will be looking to make an early statement of intent on Sunday night. Losing just one of their last 23 straight showdowns against last season’s relegation scrappers, the Catalonia giants are rightfully tipped as a standout contender here.
Team News
Heavily linked with a move to French giants PSG this summer, it remains to be seen if Ousmane Dembele will feature this weekend. Notching 21 La Liga strikes last season and claim Spain’s Golden Boot, former Bayern Munich record-breaker Robert Lewandowski will spearhead Barca’s attack on Sunday night.
Arriving from Premier League giants Manchester City this summer on a free transfer, Illkay Gundogan will make his full debut here.
Key Factors to Consider
- Barcelona have lost just one of their last 23 straight appearances against Getafe – a run that stems all the way back to November 2011.
- The reigning Spanish champions shipped just 20 La Liga goals in their 38 appearances last season.
- Getafe signed off the 2022/23 campaign by winning just a trio of their final 12 top-flight appearances.
- Attacking talisman Robert Lewandowski notched 22 La Liga goals last season on route to lifting the Golden Boot.
- The last three meetings between Getafe and Barcelona have produced just a single goal.
Conclusion
Opening the defence of their La Liga crown on Sunday night, Barcelona will be desperate to make an early statement outside of Catalonia. Storming their way to a first domestic crown since 2019 and eventually dethroning Los Blancos thanks to a stunning 10-point buffer, Xavi’s superstar squad will be smelling the chance to come flying out of the traps here. It should be noted, losing just one of their last 23 straight appearances against last season’s relegation scrappers, we are expecting Barca to open the 2023/24 campaign with a victory at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez on Sunday night.
Verdict: Barcelona win
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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