FCB-Getafe: Sunshine and goals

The match against Getafe this Sunday brings us something new.  The match will start at 12 pm, making it the first time since 1965 that the Camp Nou has hosted a morning kick-off.

As a result the coaching staff has made a change to the usual routine for league games and brought the 20-man squad together the night before the match.

Possible rotations

The fact that 14 members of the squad have spent much of the week away on international duty will undoubtedly have an effect on team selection.  Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Saturday, Jordi Roura revealed that he had discussed the possibility with Tito Vilanova of resting a number of regulars for Sunday’s clash.  Xavi Hernández for one will definitely miss the game due to the injury he suffered in the Mestalla.

Barça will be looking to get back to the winning habit after the draw last weekend against Valencia.  The team’s record in the Camp Nou this season has been impeccable, with nine wins and just one draw and a total of 34 goals scored and just 8 conceded.  Barça remains in pole position in the league table with a nine-point lead over second-placed Atlético Madrid.

An unpredictable opponent

Getafe starts Sunday’s game in a comfortable 12^th place despite the fact that a number of important first team regulars have been missing from recent matches.  Moyà, Rafa, Valera, Juan Rodríguez, Lafita and Mané will all miss the game, though Pedro León is available.  Last weekend they ended a nine-match run without a win with a 3-1 victory over Deportivo and have traditionally proved a tough nut to crack in the Camp Nou.