Three things Barcelona need to do against Getafe

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The champions are seeking a first away win

Barcelona managed to win against Villarreal last time out thanks to goals from Antoine Griezmann and Arthur but are still yet to convince. Saturday’s trip to Getafe is the real test and can decide whether or not the title is coming back to the Camp Nou.

Manager Ernesto Valverde is coming under real pressure as he not only fights to retain the title but also keep his place in the hotseat. Let’s have a look at the three things Barcelona should do to claim three away points:

Play Two Wingers

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Getafe employ a 4-4-2 with extensive wing play but suffer against the same formation. They have conceded seven goals, one less than their opponents and if Barcelona can make the most out of their shortcomings, that tally is bound to increase. Therefore, playing two wingers instead of just one will prove vital to Barcelona’s chances of scoring FIRST. Luis Suarez or Griezmann should play as the striker with Ousmane Dembele and Carles Perez manning the wings.

Press, Press, Press

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Barcelona are vulnerable to pressing but one of the best ways they can overcome this is by pressing their opponents right from the start. Barcelona usually enjoy more possession and can tire Getafe by using it well. Pressing Getafe will win Barcelona possession and keeping hold of it will drastically reduce the hosts’ resilience. Barca must also be mindful that Getafe have the poorest disciplinary record (23 yellow/1 red) and the worst passing accuracy (66.2) so far in La Liga.

Defend as a Unit

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Barcelona have more often than not conceded through long shots and it’s embarrassing. The likes of Leon Moron and Santi Cazorla have fully utilized the empty space between the defense and the midfield to their advantage and scored belters. The problem can be isolated to the team’s inability to transform into a defensive unit once they lose the ball. A team which conceded just 29 in 2017 and 36 in 2018 have been horrendous at the back so far. The defense has been leaky causing the team to lose momentum and a first La Liga clean sheet is needed. Defending as a unit is a must and that is what Barcelona should be doing, as they will lose the ball and their opponents will rush towards them.

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