Barcelona predicted XI vs Getafe: Joan García back in goal as Hansi Flick prepares wholesale rotation
Joan García back in goal as Hansi Flick prepares wholesale rotation for Getafe test
Barcelona look to continue their history-making perfect start to the season and make it eight wins out of eight in La Liga when they host Getafe at Camp Nou on Saturday — and Hansi Flick is expected to field a heavily rotated side to do it.
Barça worked very hard in the summer to build "a very deep and versatile squad", and the coming fortnight is exactly the time to take advantage. Saturday's home clash kicks off a brutal two-week stretch: a visit from Getafe, then three massive away games in a row, followed by El Clásico — a sequence that will truly test the depth and quality of Flick's squad.
The coach has been a lot more favourable to rotations this season compared to his first two years in charge, and a team full of changes is likely for this one.
Fitness picture brightens ahead of Getafe
Joan García is expected to return in goal after missing the last match before the international break with a minor knee issue. The 25-year-old rejoined group training earlier this week for the first time this month, moving a step closer to a Saturday return, and the Catalans had already been handed a triple boost earlier in the month when García, Eric García and Raphinha were all declared available following recent concerns.
Eric García, meanwhile, is over the minor issue that caused him to leave the Spain camp during the international break, but Flick is unlikely to take any risks and will instead start Jules Koundé at right-back.
Raphinha has been practically ruled out for the weekend after coming back early from Brazil duty. Although the captain does not have an injury — and was among the trio declared fit in recent days — he is unlikely to be involved at all in this one, ensuring he is fresh for the crucial four-game stretch that follows Saturday's game.
Defence: Koundé anchors an unfamiliar back four
Joan García should have his starting centre-backs ahead of him in Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martín, with Cubarsí having made five La Liga appearances for Barcelona this season. Jules Koundé is expected to continue at right-back as Flick protects Eric García, while João Cancelo could see a rest in this one after playing heavy minutes for Portugal during the break — Xavi Espart is the natural replacement at left-back.
Midfield: Gavi to step in for rested Pedri
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente did a solid job of rotating his midfielders during the Nations League games, so there is no big concern with the fitness of any of the four Blaugrana central players who featured for La Roja during the break. Even so, Flick is still expected to be careful with Pedri and have him on the bench to start this one, with Gavi — who spent the entire break in Catalonia — likely to take his place.
Rodri, who played the full 90 minutes only once for Spain, is expected to start at the pivot spot, and Fermín López will likely start ahead of Dani Olmo.
Attack: Yamal benched as Adeyemi, Gordon and Jesus lead the line
Lamine Yamal is also expected to begin this one on the bench after starting all four of Spain's games during the international break, which opens the door for a rebuilt front three: Karim Adeyemi on the right, Anthony Gordon on the left and Gabriel Jesus up front.
Possible XI
Joan; Koundé, Cubarsí, Martín, Espart; Fermín, Rodri, Gavi; Adeyemi, Jesus, Gordon (4-3-3)
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