Barcelona to face Getafe looking keep up in the La Liga title race

Madrid, Dec 12 (IANS) Spanish football giants FC Barcelona face a trip to the capital Saturday when they play Getafe in the Alfonso Perez Coliseum with the aim of keeping up pace with leaders Real Madrid in the La Liga.

Luis Enrique's side will be aware of Real Madrid's result against Almeria Friday, which will almost certainly leave them needing a win in order to continue their chase of the current leaders, reports Xinhua.

Getafe has at times been a difficult ground for Barcelona to play in, although they will be favourites to defeat a side which has taken only a point from their last two games.

Barcelona may not be convincing with their football so far, but with Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez showing signs of building up a partnership, they will always carry a goal threat.

That was made clear Wednesday when each of the trio scored in the 3-1 Champions League win at home against Paris Saint Germain (PSG).

Barcelona were hardly at their best in that game, but their firepower in attack was enough to see them home in a game where Enrique experimented with his defence, playing three central defenders and forward, Pedro Rodriguez as a wing-back.

The return of defender Dani Alves should end the need for a repeat of such a move Saturday, but it did show the coach is willing to take risks. The success of the tactic is, however, open to debate as PSG created several chances and could have at least drawn the game with better finishing.

Defender Javier Mascherano will probably return to the heart of the defence, where he will partner Gerard Pique with Jordi Alba providing pace down the left flank.

Midfielders Ivan Rakitic and Xavi Hernandez could also be back and it seems the coach is lining up a team to break down a packed defence and midfield.

The visitors will look to sit deep and use the guile of Pablo Sarabia and Pedro Leon, to try and hurt Barcelona on the break or from set pieces.