La Liga: Getafe vs. Barcelona

This could be a bogey match for Football Club Barcelona. At home they are practically indomitable, having won six matches out of six. Away though, the story changes dramatically. Of their five games as the visitor, Barcelona have only been capable of winning one against lowly Levante. Of the other four away games, three ended in draws while the last they lost three goals to one against in form Villarreal. Getafe’s Coliseum Alfonso Perez stadium doesn’t bring good memories for Barcelona recently. Most notably was the four nil thrashing Getafe dished out to a full strength Barca in last season’s King’s cup second leg tie, and in the league in January Barcelona couldn’t get passed a one-one draw.

Getafe coach Michael Laudrup is breathing a little easier these days. After going the first seven league games without getting a win, they have since won four of their last five games, including a memorable away victory over Tottenham in the UEFA cup. This is the best time the modest club to take on the all powerful Barcelona; their defense has been shored up, conceding just one goal in the last five matches and scoring an average of two goals per game. I don’t know what Laudrup did to his squad but it’s working.

In the team news, Barcelona will be looking to put out the same side that beat Glasgow Rangers in the Champions league match in midweek, while Getafe can probably count on David Belenguer again after the captain had to miss the last three games due to a knee  strain.

I’m going to stick my neck out and put some money on Getafe to take all three points from this match. They are in great form at the moment and Barcelona away are having all sorts of confidence problems. Ronaldhino looks to be getting back to his former self and the Catalan club will be looking to him to get them the points they need to go to bed on Saturday night as league leaders. Also, backing Getafe would be a good idea as the odds in the bookies is pretty sweet. Look around for the best odds and good luck.

Prediction: Home win (1-0)