Official: Barcelona starting lineup against Getafe

Now on a five-game winning streak, Barcelona will hope to keep up their form as they take on Getafe in the 18th gameweek of La Liga. The Blaugranes have the chance to widen the gap between them and second-placed Real Madrid to six points, even if it is temporary.

Ahead of today’s clash, Xavi has made a whopping nine changes to the starting lineup that thrashed AD Ceuta 0-5 in the Copa del Rey. The only player who retains his place is Raphinha, starting at right-wing in a 4-3-3.

In Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres’ absence, the Brazilian is accompanied by Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembele in the front-three. The latter will presumably start as the striker, with the former on the left flank.

Franck Kessie scored one and assisted two in midweek, but has been replaced by Gavi in that advanced midfield role. Pedri also starts in the middle of the park, and the midfield is capped off by Sergio Busquets as the anchor.

Alejandro Balde continues his breakthrough season as the left-back, and Sergi Roberto drops into the defence on the right. Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde will have the responsibility of screening Marc-Andre ter Stegen in central defence.

El nostre XI #BarçaGetafe pic.twitter.com/FWU6WGHJfP

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_cat) January 22, 2023

Confirmed Barça XI: ter Stegen; Roberto, Kounde, Christensen, Balde; Gavi, Busquets, Pedri; Raphinha, Fati, Dembele