PREVIEW | FC Barcelona v Getafe
With six wins out of six, and having scored four or more goals in their last three outings, FC Barcelona are in rampant form under new coach Hansi Flick. In fact, this is the joint third best start to a league season ever, and another win would leave the team just one win short of the record the eight-game run under Tata Martino in 2013/14.
And there's no shortage of reasons to expect another three points at home to Getafe on Wednesday night (9pm CEST, check our guide for the time where you are). In contrast, the visitors haven't won any games at all this season, have only scored three goals compared to Barça's 22, were soundly beaten 4-0 the last time they came to the Estadi Olimpic and have never won away to Barça in 19 attempts.
With Lewandowski and Raphinha topping the Liga goalscoring charts with six and five goals respectively, and Lamine Yamal leading the way for assists, this has been a staggering start for Barça. And most impressively of all, they have achieved that despite a dreadful spate of injuries to key players.
Team news
Gavi and Frenkie de Jong are both back training with the squad, but aren't ready for this one. Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen remain absent from the defence, and midfielders Marc Bernal, Dani Olmo and Fermín López are also out with injuries. At least striker Ferran Torres is back after missing Saturday's 5-1 rout of Villarreal through suspension.
But perhaps the most worrying injury of all is that to Ter Stegen. The German goalkeeper tore the patellar tendon in his knee in that game and could be out for a long time. Iñaki Peña served as a strong replacement the last time the regular goalie was unavailable, and it's time for the 25-year-old to do so again.
To cover for the absentees, a number of Barça Atlètic players have been called up for senior duty: Ander Astralaga and Aron Yaakobishvili (as reserve goalies), plus Hector Fort, Gerard Martín, Sergi Domínguez, Andres Cuenca, Yaakobishvili, Guillermo and Toni Fernández.
🚨 Hansi Flick’s squad for #BarçaGetafe! pic.twitter.com/7eg0s7sxTK
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 25, 2024
Getafe have less to worry about, with defender Nabil Aberdin and new signing Alvaro Rodriguez, formerly of Real Madrid, the only doubts. Star striker Borja Mayoral is back to full fitness and has come on as a sub in the last two games, and may well get to start for the visitors on Wednesday.
Did you know?
If Lewandowski scores, he will become the all-time top scoring Polish player in La Liga. Following his two goals against Villarreal, he is currently tied with Jan Urban on 48.
Today's honorary kick-off will be taken by yachtsman and woman Peter Burling and Silvia Mas, two of the competitors in the America's Cup that the city of Barcelona is currently hosting.
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