Match Preview: Sunday 07/01/2007 17:00 (GMT +1): La Liga, Match Day 17
FC GETAFE - FC BARCELONA

Coliseo Alfonso Perez, Getafe – Capacity: 15.000
Referee:


Probable Line-Up:

Getafe (4-4-2): Abbondanzieri - Cortes, Belenguer, Alexis, Pulido - Mario Cotelo, Celestini, Casquero, Nacho - Manu del Moral, Paunovic - Manager: Bernd Schuster


FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdes - Belletti, Marquez, Puyol, Sylvinho (Gio) - Edmilson, Iniesta, Xavi - Giuly, Gudjohnsen, Saviola (Ezquerro) - Manager: Frank Rijkaard


Match Preview:
FC Barcelona will meet former Barca captain Bernd Schuster, coach of opponent Getafe on Sunday. The homeside Getafe, from the suburbs of Madrid, are currently 9th with 22 points and FC Barcelona is in 2nd position on 34 points but with one match in hand.


Getafe is the surprise package this season but despite the good position and performances, Bernd Schuster will be worried about the lack of goals. Getafe scored only 16 goals but has got 22 points on their account. Getafe is close to a UEFA Cup place but only scored once in the last 6 games. Therfore the former Camp Nou idol Schuster reacted and signed Latvian striker Maris Verpakovskis on loan from Dinamo Kyiv during the winter transfer period.


Barca has lost the lead of La Liga just before Christmas when the team had to appear at the FIFA Club World Cup but still has one match in hand. Due to the fact that Sevilla lost away to Real Zaragozza, FC Barcelona are able to clinch top spot again, with a win over Getafe.


Barca midfielder Motta had to pull out in the last minute due to a flu but Gio overcame the same illness and is back in the team. Oleguer is also out.

Saviola has recovered completely and will push for a place in the starting line-up. Youngsters Marc Crosas and Olmo will complete the sqad which is still without injured Eto'o, Messi, Zambrotta and Thuram.


The 16 players in the squad that travelled to Getafe are:
Valdés, Jorquera, Iniesta, Puyol, Gudjohnsen, Sylvinho, Giuly, Edmílson, Xavi, Márquez, Belletti, Gio, Ezquerro, Saviola, Olmo and Marc Crosas.




My Prediction:
Barca arrives in Getafe with only 14 first team players but this should be no excuse to look for a positive result. Getafe is a strong side at home and has already embarassed Real Madrid, when they beat the Merengues in their 1-0 victory.


It won´t be easy but the team is in good spirit. The big loss of Deco and Ronaldinho, due to yellow cards suspensions, should be recovered by the integration of inform midfielder Andres Iniesta and may be Saviola, who for sure is motivated enough, to show everyone his qualities.


The two week break was just what the tired Barca player needed after the long trip to Japan and playing 28 matches since the start of the season. Getafe had a very bad run before the short Christmas break. Only 1 goal in six games, of which 3 were drawn, 3 lost and none won.

I expect Barca to win and clinch the top spot again this afternoon. The day would be perfect when the Merengues would lose to Deportivo, in their difficult away match in La Coruna!
A very interesting match day and at the end, Barca will be at the top of the table.


Getafe - FC Barcelona 0-1



Visca el Barca!