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From their previous nine meetings at the Nou Camp, Barcelona has defeated Getafe seven times, while drawing just two of those matches. Sunday should give Tito Vilanova's side another chance to keep Barcelona's 16 point lead over Real Madrid who defeated Sevilla on Saturday, cutting the lead to 13 points.

The previous meeting between these two sides ended with a 1-4 victory for Barcelona. Adriano opened the scoring with a 32nd minute goal, making way for Lionel Messi to score two goals, before Getafe would pull one back with Mascherano scoring an own goal.

David Villa, Arsenal transfer target, made it 1-4 with a 92nd minute goal, giving the Blaugrana the full three points.

Luis Garcia's side has only managed one win in their previous ten matches, but Barcelona has not done so well as of late themselves. Tito Vilanova's side has only managed two victories in their previous six in all competitions.

Barcelona will be without Xavi on Sunday, with the Spanish international recovering from a hamstring injury. Jordi Roura may also choose to rest a few other players, considering their upcoming match against AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League.

Previous Matches

09-15-12 Getafe 1-4 Barcelona

04-10-12 Barcelona 4-0 Getafe

11-26-11 Getafe 1-0 Barcelona

03-19-11 Barcelona 2-1 Getafe

11-07-10 Getafe 1-3 Barcelona

02-06-10 Barcelona 2-1 Getafe

Prediction

Barcelona continued splashing the cash this week, having secured Lionel Messi with a new contract. The Argentine international will have a chance to celebrate his new contract on Sunday against Getafe. 

Getafe, with 29 points, is tied with Valladolid and Sevilla for tenth place, but due to goal difference, they are 12th. Although they lack proper resources, they have achieved a number of historic results. One of those victories came against Barcelona in a 1-0 victory last season.

The visitors have not been all that great on either side of the ball this season. They generally are not all that bad at home, but away from home, they tend to struggle a lot. 

Their approach on Sunday will likely be the same approach they have had all season. They do not keep the ball very well, so they will look to play long balls to their forwards, who have significant pace. 

Coming off an international break, Barcelona's players could struggle with jet lag on Sunday. Getafe's injuries and suspensions will also not help them, but taking advantage of a Barcelona side who will be without Xavi could be easier.

Tossing all the potential advantages Getafe may have out the window, Barcelona still has the upper hand. With or without Xavi, Barcelona is still an elite team, and they still have some of the world's most elite players.

Messi will want to celebrate his new lucrative contract on Sunday, and it looks like Getafe will be the unfortunate victim. The Blaugrana's amount of talent should see them claim the full three points against a Getafe side that has not been all that impressive this season.

Getafe's last point claimed away from home was December 8th in a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad. 

Barcelona 3-0 Getafe

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