Barcelona hosts Getafe at the Camp Nou in a fixture from the third round of Spanish La Liga. We will try to give you a solid preview of this match in our online soccer betting tips.
With four points won in in the first two games, Barcelona are currently 4th in the league standings. The Catalans didn’t have an easy start of the campaign because they had to face the two Basque giants Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao in the first two games. They won against La Real at home, but only got a point during the visit to Bilbao.
Just like we expected it was an intense game between Athletic and Barca at the San Mames Barria. Inigo Martinez opened the score for the hosts just after the start of the second half, but Memphis Depay equalised for Barca. For the Dutch striker it was his first goal with the blaugrana shirt. He also made an assist in the previous game, so obviously Depay is having a strong start of the season. He’s one of the players who must lead the team by example in the post-Messi era. So far the fans can be satisfied with his performances.
Barcelona’s manager Ronald Koeman used the same starting eleven he used in the first game as well. The captain Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri started in midfield while Antoine Griezmann, Memphis Depay and Martin Braithwaite started in attack. There are going to be some changes for the next match, though.
Koeman got some bad news from the game against Athletic. Gerard Pique left the pitch injured in the first half while Eric Garcia got sent off in the last few minutes. This means that both of them won’t be available for the next match. Most likely Ronald Araujo and Clement Lenglet will start at the centre-back positions against Getafe. Another option is Samuel Umtiti, but it’s not very likely to see him playing. It’s not a secret that Barcelona are trying to get rid of him.
The game in Bilbao was special for one of Barcelona’s players. This is the youngster Yusuf Demir who arrived in the Catalan capital in the summer. Just 18-years old, Demir already impressed Ronald Koeman. In the game against Athletic he made his official debut for the Catalan giants. He replaced Martin Braithwaite in the second half and quickly showed his talent. He’s clearly a player for the future.
Pedri is another player who is not going to play on Sunday. The Spanish international finally got his well-deserved rest after playing at both Euro 2020 and the Olympics. He was used by the coach in the first two matches, but now it was time for him to rest as well. Most likely Sergi Roberto will be the player to replace him in midfield. Roberto played in both games so far as a substitute and he really shined – he scored a goal against Real Sociedad and made an assist against Athletic. In the last few years Sergi Roberto played mainly as a defender, but now he’s going to be used in midfield again.
Barcelona’s fans expect more from Antoine Griezmann, that’s for sure. For the French star this is his third season at the Camp Nou. And he’s still not showing his best football – the football we know from his time at Atletico Madrid. Everyone thought that Lionel Messi’s departure would allow Griezmann to shine and get out of his shadow, but in the first two matches he didn’t impress. It’s still not too late for him to do it, though. Who knows – maybe this is going to be his best season at Barcelona so far?
Ronald Araujo is the man who must shine in defense in the absence of Gerard Pique and Eric Garcia. He’s regarded a huge prospect for the future, but he started from the bench in the first two games. Now he will have his chance to show what he can do.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen remains sidelined for Barcelona. Once again it’s going to be Neto who will start on goal for Los Cules.
Getafe are desperate for points after suffering two losses in the first two matches. For the new head coach Michel this is not how he imagined the start of the season. Michel replaced Jose Bordalas at the job, but so far he’s facing some difficulties. And now his team will have a tough visit to Catalonia.
In the second round Getafe faced Sevilla at home, but suffered a 0-1 defeat. It was a really heartbreaking for the hosts because the Andalusians scored their winning goal in the 93th minute of the game. That’s when the new signing Erik Lamela put the ball behind David Soria’s back.
For Getafe it’s a bit worrying that they have not scored a single goal since the beginning of the season. Enes Unal and Sandro Ramirez started in both matches so far, but they didn’t exactly do what was expected of them. That’s why Jaume Mata could start for Getafe against Barca – he’s an experienced striker who could bring some danger for the opposition.
For Getafe it’s going to be very important how they will do in defense against Los Cules. Dakonam and Stefan Mitrovic should be starting as center-backs at the Camp Nou, but they are facing a huge challenge. Michel must instruct his players to defend as an unit against Barca, otherwise they will concede some goals. And yes – Getafe must start showing something more in attack. Two games and zero goals – that’s not how they will reach their goals for the season.
That’s the online soccer betting tips for the La Liga clash between Barcelona and Getafe at the Camp Nou in the Catalan capital. Barca will be looking for their second win for the season, while Getafe are looking for their first points. The visitors will have to accept the role of underdogs here. They will try to surprise Barca, but at the end it’s the Catalans who are huge favorites.