Kessie, Alba start in a 4-3-3: How Barcelona could line up against Getafe | OneFootball

Barcelona will be aiming to take a step closer to lifting the La Liga title when they lock horns with Getafe at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on Sunday afternoon.

The Catalans have failed to pick up victories in their last two matches across all competitions, having lost to Real Madrid in Copa del Rey before being held to a goalless draw by Girona in the Catalan derby this past Monday.

So, the La Liga leaders will be keen to return to winning ways and maintain their advantage at the top, which could reduce to ten points before tomorrow’s match.

Heading into the game, Barcelona have not recovered any of their injured stars, meaning Pedri, Ousmane Dembele, Frenkie de Jong, and Andreas Christensen remain unavailable for selection on Sunday.

Barça Universal now takes a look at how manager Xavi Hernandez will set his team up to face Getafe at Coliseum Alfonso Perez.

Starters

Xavi could make some changes to the team that failed to get the better of Girona on Monday night. One of those alterations could come at left-back, where Jordi Alba could come in to replace Alejandro Balde. The veteran had a good cameo in the Catalan derby and could provide a creative edge on the left.

The rest of the defensive unit should remain intact with Jules Kounde starting at right-back, and Ronald Araujo partnering up with Eric Garcia at the heart of the Barcelona defence. In-form goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is a guaranteed starter against Getafe.

Eric Garcia set for back-to-back starts (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Given the injuries to Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, Xavi does not have much scope for rotation in midfield and will likely stick with captain Sergio Busquets in the pivot position.

Second captain Sergi Roberto should also keep his spot in the centre of the park, but Franck Kessie could return to the starting XI after being benched in the Girona encounter.

The Ivorian, along with Busquets, will need to be careful as a yellow card tomorrow could get them suspended for the game against Atletico Madrid.

Moving into the attacking unit, there is no looking past Robert Lewandowski in the No. 9 role. The Poland captain has not been at his best in recent months and it has been revealed that he is dealing with some physical issues. But, Barcelona will need him to fire at this juncture of the season.

With Ousmane Dembele out, Raphinha should again continue on the right flank, but needs to be more clinical with the chances that come his way in front of goal. Ansu Fati did not make much of his opportunity against Girona and should drop to the bench, with Gavi slotting into the false left-winger role.

Gavi · Lewandowski · RaphinhaRoberto · Busquets · KessieAlba · Eric · Araujo · Koundeter Stegen

Substitutes

Both Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati should come on at some time in the second half, especially if the team is struggling to find a breakthrough.

Xavi has been reluctant to use Pablo Torre despite the need for a creative force on the pitch. The youngster should be an option that the manager looks at. Alejandro Balde would also be a contender to receive minutes in the second half.