90min

The Barcelona Lineup That Should Start Against Getafe

By Charlie Stewart

Barca have made a bright start to the new campaign
Barca have made a bright start to the new campaign / David Ramos/Getty Images
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Barcelona travel to Getafe on Saturday, hoping to put themselves within touching distance of rivals Real Madrid in La Liga ahead of next weekend's Clasico.

It's been a mostly positive start to life as Barça boss for Ronald Koeman. His first two games in charge produced comprehensive victories over Villarreal and Celta Vigo, with La Blaugrana looking fantastic at both ends of the pitch. However, a rather lacklustre 1-1 draw at home to Sevilla put a bit of a dampener on things.

Luuk de Jong smashed home to give Sevilla the lead before Coutinho's equaliser
Luuk de Jong smashed home to give Sevilla the lead before Coutinho's equaliser / David Ramos/Getty Images

Barcelona currently sit just two places ahead of their opponents, although they have played one game fewer.

Getafe started the season with three consecutive clean sheets and seven points, but have since been comprehensively beaten by Real Sociedad.

Here is the side Koeman could name to face Getafe on the weekend.

1. Goalkeeper and Defenders

Dest will likely make his full debut out of position
Dest will likely make his full debut out of position / David Ramos/Getty Images

Neto (GK) - With usual number one Marc-Andre ter Stegen still sidelined, Neto will keep his place in goal.

Sergi Roberto (RB) - The Spaniard scored just the third league goal of his career in the 3-0 victory against Celta Vigo.

Gerard Pique (CB) - Pique is set for his 350th league appearance for Barcelona, and his 700th professional outing in total.

Clement Lenglet (CB) - After missing the last fixture through suspension, Lenglet will probably return to the staring XI in place of Ronald Araujo.

Sergino Dest (LB) - The teenager was brought in primarily as a right back. However, with Jordi Alba and Junior Firpo both doubtful, Dest could make his full debut on the left.

2. Midfielders

Pjanic is yet to make his full debut for Barcelona
Pjanic is yet to make his full debut for Barcelona / Soccrates Images/Getty Images

Frenkie de Jong (CM) - The Dutchman is one of five Barcelona players to play every minute of this campaign so far. Expect that to continue on Saturday.

Miralem Pjanic (CM) - The more defensive Sergio Busquets has been preferred by Koeman in the first three games. However, maybe it's time for the manager to be a little bit less cautious and throw Pjanic into the mix for his first start.

Philippe Coutinho (CM) - Coutinho's time at Camp Nou appeared to be coming to an end a few months ago, but the Brazilian looks like a man reborn in the new campaign, most recently scoring the equaliser against Sevilla.

3. Forwards

The clock could be ticking for Griezmann
The clock could be ticking for Griezmann / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Antoine Griezmann (RW) - Unlike Coutinho, Griezmann is yet to recapture his best form. He might prefer a more central role, but with Lionel Messi filling that area, the 29-year-old needs to start being more effective from the right if he wishes to remain a Barcelona player.

Lionel Messi (CF) - La Pulga is going through a rare unproductive spell, having not scored or assisted from open play in any of his last six outings.

Ansu Fati (LW) - Just 17 years old, Fati has made a flying start to the new season, winning La Liga Player of the Month for September. Another goal could take him to the top of the goalscoring charts in Spain.