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As FC Barcelona gears up to face Getafe in what promises to be an exciting La Liga showdown, all eyes are on head coach Hansi Flick and his tactical adjustments. After an impressive run in cup competitions, including a resounding victory over Real Betis in the Copa del Rey, Barça now aims to regain their footing in the league, where they have faced some recent challenges.
Historically, matches at Estadio Coliseum have been tricky for the Catalan giants. Despite winning their previous encounter by a narrow margin of 1-0 at home, the last three visits to Getafe have left them goalless. Flick's comments highlight the difficulties they anticipate: "What we know from the past is that it's hard to score there. We've talked about this topic and hopefully our plan will work." With this in mind, Flick is set to implement several changes to his starting eleven, aiming to infuse renewed energy and creativity into the squad.
The upcoming lineup will see Alejandro Balde reclaiming his position at left-back, while Iñaki Peña continues in goal after stepping up during Wojciech Szczesny's suspension. Defensively, Jules Kounde and Pau Cubarsi form a reliable partnership at the center, complemented by Ronald Araujo on the right.
In midfield, the combination of Marc Casado and Pedri will spearhead the playmaking duties, providing both defensive stability and attacking flair. Dani Olmo is expected to take the role of central attacking midfielder, with wingers Raphinha and Lamine Yamal flanking Robert Lewandowski, who returns as the focal point of the attack.
Here’s how FC Barcelona is likely to line up against Getafe:
- Goalkeeper: Iñaki Peña
- Defenders: Alejandro Balde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Jules Kounde
- Midfielders: Pedri, Marc Casado, Dani Olmo
- Forwards: Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski
The significance of this match extends beyond just regaining momentum in La Liga. Currently sitting in third place, Barcelona is trailing Atlético Madrid by six points. The stakes are high, as they aim to close the gap and maintain their title aspirations. Getafe, on the other hand, finds themselves in a precarious position, battling against relegation. Their recent string of victories has injected confidence into their squad, making them a formidable opponent.
As both teams prepare for the clash, the question remains: can FC Barcelona overcome the tactical challenges posed by José Bordalás' side? With Flick’s strategic changes and a renewed sense of urgency on the line, fans will be eagerly watching to see if their beloved team can rise to the occasion at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez.
The match kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, and will be available for viewing on ESPN Deportes. For those unable to attend in person, various streaming options are also available to catch all the action live.
As FC Barcelona looks to return to winning ways in La Liga, the dynamics of this match could shape their season. Will they emerge victorious in this crucial encounter? Only time will tell.
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