Barcelona will look to keep pace with the at the top of La Liga as they host Getafe at the Camp Nou.
Form
Barcelona has put together another strong start to the season. Even without Leo Messi, Barcelona are tied with rivals Real Madrid at the top of La Liga with 21 points. They most recently came back and beat Eibar 3-1 in La Liga with Luis Suarez scoring two goals to seal all three points for the Catalans. But they suffered a 0-0 draw in the Copa Del Rey against Villanovense in what was a shock to many.
To be fair with Luis Enrique, he rested many of his starters and played many of his Barcelona B players in that game. In terms of Champions League, Barcelona are leading their group and most recently beat BATE 2-0 thanks to a brace by Ivan Rakitic.
Getafe come into this match coming off the heels of a 5-0 smacking by Sevilla last week. This came off the heels of a 4-0 win against Las Palmas so you could say it has been an up and down two weeks for Getafe and their fans. They currently sit 13rd in La Liga with 10 points and they may find themselves in a relegation battle if they don't continue the form they are currently in.
Key Players
Luis Suarez without a doubt is one of the most important figures for the hosts. With Messi out, Suarez and Neymar had to step for Barca and they have. Both have been expectional in their time without Messi and have both shown they are world class players. Suarez does the dirty work on offense that many don't notice as he works hard to outsmart his defenders and create chances for himself and his teammates.
The key player for Getafe will be striker Stefan Scepovic. He leads the teams in goals, three, and will look to cause Barcelona problems at the back. Although Barca have some of the best wingers and defenders in Europe, they struggle at the back and seem to give up bad goals at the worst time. Look for Getafe to rely on the 25 year old to create offense for them.
Team News
Barcelona right back Douglas has been ruled out for two months due to a foot injury. It has been a tough year for Douglas as he has battled numerous injuries this year and will look to comeback healthier than ever.
According to head coach Luis Enrique, Andres Iniesta and Sergi Roberto are set to come back for Barcelona. The return of both will strengthen a Barca midfield that is already missing Rafinha and needs more experience in the middle.
What They're Saying
"We are thinking about Messi recovering completely, not worrying about any particular date," said Barcelona manager Luis Enrique when asked about when the Barcelona superstar could return (via ESPNFC).
Messi has been out for more than a month with a knee injury but is looking to return for the Clasico against Real Madrid.
"The current Barca directors already checked things out with Juve but they weren't able to take him because they're blocked from signing players until January." said Paul Pogba's agent Mino Raiola to French radio station RMC (via ESPNFC).