Getafe CF v FC Barcelona: No time to relax

Christmas will come as a welcome break for the first team as the hectic December schedule continues with a league visit to Madrid-based Getafe (16.00 PM CET). It’s only 72 hours since Barça beat PSG to finish top of their Champions League group and just three days before the second leg of their cup game with Huesca. That’s three different competitions in just seven days!

Squad of 18

For the second year in a row, that last road trip of the year takes the Catalans to Getafe, and Luis Enrique has travelled with eighteen players. Neymar was left out at the last minute due to trouble with his left ankle, and stays at home along with the dropped Montoya, Douglas, Sergi Roberto and Masip, and the only other injured player, Vermaelen.

Getafe struggling

Barça are looking to win their seventh game in a row, and will be doing so against 12th placed Getafe. Despite a strong start to the season, the home side have not won since their trip to Deportivo on October 31, a game they won 2-1. And they have not won any of their last four home fixtures, drawing with Cordoba (1-1) and Elche (0-0) and losing to Atlético Madrid (0-1) and Athletic Bilbao (1-2) at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez. Against second-placed Barça, manager Cosmin Contra will have to do without two injured left backs, Lago and Escudero, plus the suspended Freddy Hinestroza.