Barcelona are back to the title race after Real Madrid failed to beat Valencia at home, but the Catalans have got to keep winning if they are to pip their rivals to La Liga title. Getafe remained in the top half of the standings with a comfortable victory over Sporting Gijon and they now aim to create a surprise at Camp Nou.

Just four points behind Real

Two months ago Barcelona lost away to Osasuna, thus allowing Real Madrid to create a 10-point cushion at the top of La Liga and even Pep Guardiola admitted the title race was over at the time. Nonetheless, the defeat at Reyno de Navarra served as a wake-up call for his players as they went on to win 12 of next 13 games in all competitions, and subsequently returned into contention for the La Liga trophy. After the impressive victory over Zaragoza, the Catalans play host to in-form Getafe and while the hosts are hot favourites for the win, we are unlikely to see a big home win here. Barcelona are set to play eight games over the next few weeks and Pep Guardiola’s side will, therefore, try to win this game, but without giving their best in the process. As the season draws to a close Barca start to adopt a more cautious approach and that is the reason why we saw less than three goals in five of their last eight games in all competitions.

Gerard Pique and Dani Alves are both injury doubts, but Xavi and Iniesta are expected to return after they were rested against Zaragoza.

Getafe flying high

Getafe were tipped to enter the relegation dogfight after they stayed without Boateng, Manu, Albin and Parejo in the summer, but former Levante coach Luis Garcia Plaza has done a tremendous job in rebuilding the squad and that is the main reason behind team’s impressive results this season. Los Azulones are becoming a real force to be reckoned with at their Coliseum Alfonso Perez, but they are also doing well on the travels, having brought 16 points from as many away games. Getafe appear to be in a very good form and after winning three of their last five games, they arrive to Camp Nou full of confidence and can be trusted to put up a real fight against the Catalans. That may not be enough for a positive result, but you can bet Getafe will not get embarrassed in Barcelona.

Defender Mane is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season, but boss Luis Garcia has no other worries.

Verdict

Barcelona are obviously hot favourites for the win, but they will not have such an easy job against high-flying Getafe. With games coming thick and fast, the Catalans will be looking to get the job done and lose as little energy as possible in the process rather than trying to record a big win. Therefore, I see under 3.5 goals as the best option here.

Our prediction: Under 3.5 goals

Odds: 2.25 (5/4)

Bookmaker: Bodog