Raphinha, Roque start in a 4-3-3: How Barcelona could line up against Getafe

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Barcelona's Brazilian forward #11 Raphinha celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and UD Almeria at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona on December 20, 2023.
Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images

Up next for FC Barcelona is a great test in La Liga EA Sports against Getafe. A team that has given La Blaugrana many problems in the past, getting past the team of Jorge Bordalas is never an easy task. However, to continue competing in La Liga, Xavi’s Barcelona will need to ensure victory this time around.

For this reason, Xavi will likely opt to deploy a strong lineup for this game. However, the Barcelona coach did mention in his pre-match press conference that he may make some rotations in this game but not too many. A victory is vital, as La Liga remains one of the two competitions that Barça can actually compete for.

Here is how Barcelona could line up against Getafe.

Expected Line-up:

Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen

FC Barcelona seem to find much more confidence with Marc-Andre Ter Stegen at their back. The defense seemed much more responsive in the last game, and a major part of that surely would have been the German’s leadership and arrangement from the back.

Right-back: Jules Kounde

One of the key performers against Napoli, the Frenchman could once again be counted on against Getafe. His versatility allows him to be a good asset for Barcelona both on the offensive and with his reliability as a defensive unit as well.

Centre-back: Ronald Araujo

The Uruguayan defender remains the key piece for Barcelona in the middle of the defense. His speed, leadership, and physical attributes are just some of the key qualities that make him an absolute unit for Barcelona.

Centre-back: Inigo Martinez

A more senior alternative to Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez himself is a solid defender. His leadership coupled with his technical qualities make him a key player for Xavi. His presence could also be vital against a side like Getafe.

Left-back: Joao Cancelo

The Portuguese fullback, irrespective of whether he is deployed on the left-back position or the right-back position, remains quite effective. Xavi knows and understands his value to the team, and his inclusion seems almost taken for granted.

CDM: Andreas Christensen

His performance as a pivot against Napoli definitely raised some eyebrows. While he has been good from a defensive standpoint and in terms of winning back possession, his control and first touch could definitely use some work in the game.

CM: Pedri

An absolute magician for Barcelona on his day, his creative output is almost unmatched. La Blaugrana need the support of the Spaniard to create vital openings in games, and his key passes are often times the difference makers in games.

CM: Ilkay Gundogan

In terms of creating openings and taking the required initiative, Ilkay Gundogan is Xavi’s best bet. Not afraid to take daring risks, they often always work out for the German midfielder. With him in the team, Barcelona always have that feeling of finding a way out.

Right-winger: Raphinha

With Lamine Yamal having been made use of too much, it seems only reasonable to give him some rest. In his stead, Brazilian winger Raphinha may finally get his chance to start once again. The 16-year-old has clearly overtaken his senior, but now it may be Raphinha’s chance to reclaim that position.

Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski

Having finally found his best form again, Robert Lewandowski is Barça’s main target man once more. The Polish striker has been lethal in 2024, and he will be hoping to continue his solid scoring streak against Getafe.

Left-winger: Vitor Roque

The young Brazilian rested against Napoli in the Champions League, so he may have a fair chance of starting this time around. He has shown himself to be capable of explosive entries and making solid offensive decisions at times, and he could feature against Getafe as a consequence.

Raafay Humayun
Raafay Humayun
Raafay Humayun is a life-long fan of FC Barcelona and an avid enjoyer of all things Blaugrana. Having fallen in love with the club for the way they defined football for him, he now spends his time watching games, analyzing the happenings in them, and digesting any and everything related to his beloved Catalan club. He also writes as an author for Barca News Network hoping to deliver the latest updates to his fellow ‘culés’.

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