Spectacle at the Coliseum

Barcelona (FCB).- Since Getafe debuted in the top flight seven years ago, Barça’s visits have always awakened expectations and have never disappointed. The blues’ coaches (including Laudrup and Schuster) have always taken a daring approach, and the latest manager, former Madrid man Míchel, looks set to continue that. Because when Getafe play Barça, there is always an intense, lively match to enjoy.

Five days of preparation

The game should be very different to the Champions League trip to Copenhagen, where Messi scored his hundredth goal under Guardiola. The Danish physicality prevented the Catalans from displaying their best.

Barça have had five days to recover and prepare for the game at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, an unusual luxury these days. Pep Guardiola has called on all 18 available first team players plus reserve player Thiago. The only absence is Jeffren.

To continue the record

Against Getafe, Barça can continue their great away form at the start of the season, they’ve had four solid wins to date and a fifth would be a good omen. All six times that Barça has won here, they have gone to take the championship.

Getafe need to bounce back

The home side, in turn, are struggle.  They have just suffered nasty defeats to Athletic Bilbao (3-0) in La Liga and in the Europa League to Stuttgart (0-3). They have also had bad late news, as striker Adrián Colunga is now injured, along with Miguel Torres, Gavilán and Mario. But Míchel does regain his playmaker Parejo.

BARÇA BITE

4 out of 6 in Getafe

Barcelona have generally done well at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez. On six visits, they have won four, drawn one and lost one.