Getafe vs. Barcelona: Issues and Decisions That Will Shape Liga Game

Barcelona travel to Getafe in the penultimate La Liga game before the winter break, and the first of three fixtures in a week that are all very winnable for the Catalans.

Within the week, Barca host Huesca in the second leg of the Copa del Rey and relegation-threatened Cordoba in the final game of the year.

It's almost certain that Luis Enrique will take the opportunity to tinker with his side and Getafe remain one of Barca's favourite victims.

Let's take a look at a few things that will shape this one...

Goals Guaranteed

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Lionel Messi loves playing against the men from Madrid.

If there is one thing that can be guaranteed in a Barca vs. Getafe fixture it's goals. And lots of them.

Per Fussball Wettpoint, the Catalans have scored four or more in five of the last seven meetings between the sides.

Big wins have come both home and away, but Barca do need to be on their guard as a 2-2 draw last time out showed that when the Madrid side aren't taken seriously, they have the tools to hurt their opponents.

All of Getafe's three wins against Barca over the last decade have come on home soil, the last in 2011. It's a record that Cosmin Contra will want to improve upon.

Luis Enrique Almost Certain to Rotate

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Luis Enrique has the perfect opportunity to rotate his players.

Luis Enrique would be wrong to not pay Getafe anything other than the utmost respect, however, this fixture affords him a decent opportunity for rotation.

While chopping and changing of personnel for the sake of it doesn't benefit anyone, the chance to blood fringe players and youngsters here is too good to pass up.

After the midweek Champions League exertions, an extended winter break for some of the star players could be manna from heaven for Enrique.

Lethargy is often cited as a cause of injury. A rest now could well pay dividends later in the campaign.

Coliseum Alfonso Perez: Getafe's Ghost Town

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Where are the crowds?

Every club needs their ground to be a fortress and Getafe would be no different in this respect.

A full Coliseum Alfonso Perez could provide a most intimidating atmosphere for away teams, but it's rare that the stadium is even half full.

Whether this is supporter apathy or down to ticket pricing is a moot point. 

The home side could thrive on the energy from the terraces so supporters continuing to boycott matches will only hurt their side in the long run.

From Barca's point of view, there won't be too much to quieten down in the first place. An early away goal could turn this into a training ground atmosphere.

Current Form

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Lionel Messi has been in devastating form.

There isn't a comparison to be made between the two sides when it comes to their current form.

Per WhoScored.com, Getafe's entire season has only been peppered with the odd win here and there. One victory in the last five gives a clear indication of the problems facing a side that are still hovering dangerously above the relegation places.

Compare it to Barca's recent record, per WhoScored, with seven wins from seven in all competitions.

Neymar and Lionel Messi are enjoying a purple patch at the moment and if both find their groove, if selected, it could spell trouble for the home side.

Even if Pedro Rodriguez were to be given a run out, Getafe fans will remember only too well the nine-minute hat-trick he scored at the ground a year ago.