Getafe vs Barcelona tips: Defending champions can kick off new season on winning note

Getafe managed to avoid relegation last season thanks to Pepe Bordalas. The 59 years old Spanish manager will continue on the bench of the team from Madrid this season, with the objective of keeping the "Azulones" in the first league.

Barcelona, on the other hand, will start the new season in La Liga as defending champions.

The Catalans are still going through financial difficulties and didn't have a spectacular transfer window.

They managed to strengthen their midfield, but lost Dembele to French giants PSG.

Three of the last five games between Getafe and Barcelona were won by the Catalans.

Getafe's last win at home against Barcelona, was in 2020 (1-0)

In previous three head to head games between the two teams there were under 2.5 goals scored.

Barcelona didn't manage to score in their last two games away against the team from Madrid.

Getafe managed to avoid relegation last season after changing the manager two times.

Pepe Bordalas managed the "miracle" towards the end of the season, as the team from Madrid finished two points clear of relegation.

To avoid having relegation worries next season, Bordalas demanded reinforcements from the management and Getafe was active so far in the transfer window.

Their most expensive signing was Omar Alderete, signed for £4m from Hertha. They also paid £3.5m for Portu, a right winger from Real Sociedad.

Choco Lozano (striker, Cadiz), Sergi Altimira (midfielder from Sabadell) or Gaston Alvarez (defender, from Boston River) also arrived as free agents.

When it comes to departures, Getafe parted ways with a few players, the most important one being Munir El Haddadi.

The team led by Bordalas played 5 games in pre-season, winning three and losing two.

Azulones managed wins against Bradford City, Leganes and Independiente del Valle, but more recently they lost against Reims (0-1) and Granada (1-2).

Barcelona starts the new season as champions, after an impressive season under Xavi. The Catalans managed to win the title, 10 points in front of their arch rivals Real Madrid.

The Catalan giants still have financial problems and didn't manage to complete many spectacular transfers.

The Spanish champions brought only three new players, the most important by far being, Ilkay Gundogan who arrived from Manchester City.

Defender Inigo Martinez from Bilbao also arrived as a free agent, along Oriol Romeu, a defensive midfielder bought from Girona for over £3m.

When it comes to departures, Barcelona lost two of its captains, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who joined MLS side Inter Miami.

The Catalans also received over £80m for four other players: Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann, Nico Gonzalez and Trincao.

Barca had a pre-season in the United States where they played several friendlies.

They started with a 5-3 defeat against Arsenal, followed by wins against Real Madrid and AC Milan. In their final pre-season game they managed a 4-2 win against Tottenham.

The last head to head game between the two teams, was played on April 16 and it ended as a goalless draw.

In the reverse fixture in January, Barca managed a 1-0 win at home thanks to a goal from Pedri.

Our recommendation is to back another win for the defending champions. Barcelona have enough quality to kick off the season strong as they set their sights on another title bid.