Getafe will be aiming to stretch their unbeaten run in La Liga to seven matches when they host Real Betis on Sunday evening.
The capital outfit have moved into 13th spot in the La Liga table courtesy of their impressive recent results, while Real Betis occupy eighth, two points ahead of their opponents at Estadio Coliseum.
Match preview
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Getafe have not suffered a defeat in Spain's top flight since December 21, winning three and drawing three of their last six league matches, including victories in their last two against Alaves and Girona.
Jose Bordalas' side had been in relegation trouble not too long ago, but they are now up in 13th spot in the table, seven points clear of the bottom three and only five points off sixth-placed Rayo Vallecano, which is an indication of how quickly things can change.
The Deep Blue Ones are just two points off eighth-placed Real Betis, meanwhile, so another victory this weekend would likely catapult them up the table, and their success has been built on an excellent defensive record.
Indeed, Getafe have only conceded 18 times in their 24 league matches this term, which is the second-best defensive record behind title hopefuls Atletico Madrid (16).
Getafe have only lost two of their 12 home league fixtures this season, but seven of those encounters have finished all square, while Real Betis have just three away victories to their name in La Liga this term.
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Real Betis will enter Sunday's clash off the back of a 1-0 defeat to Gent in the second leg of their Conference League knockout round playoff on Thursday night, but they still advanced to the next stage courtesy of a 3-1 aggregate success.
Manuel Pellegrini's side have been drawn against Portuguese team Vitoria de Guimaraes in the round of 16, but they have two league matches before their first leg in Seville, facing Getafe and Real Madrid.
The Green and Whites were 3-0 winners over Real Sociedad in La Liga last weekend, with the result moving them into eighth spot in the table, boasting 32 points from their 24 matches.
Real Betis are only three points behind sixth-placed Rayo Vallecano and will certainly have their eyes on more European football for next season, which could also be secured through the Conference League.
The Seville side recorded a 2-1 victory over Getafe in the reverse match earlier this season, but it was 1-1 when the two teams last locked horns at Estadio Coliseum in October 2023.
Team News
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Getafe are again expected to be without the services of Luis Milla due to a muscular problem, but the capital side are otherwise in strong shape for their contest with Real Betis.
The bulk of the players that started against Girona are set to keep hold of their spots in the XI, but there is likely to be a change in the final third of the field, with Borja Mayoral in line to start.
There could also be a spot in the side for Carles Perez, with the Spaniard potentially replacing Juan Bernat down the left.
As for Real Betis, Romain Perraud is available again after serving a suspension, but Pablo Fornals, Hector Bellerin and William Carvalho are all out of the contest due to injury problems.
The visitors also need to make a check on the fitness of both Marc Roca and Giovani Lo Celso, but there is a hope that the latter will be able to recover from a knock in time to take to the field for the first whistle.
Pellegrini will make changes to the side that started against Gent in Europe on Thursday, but there will be another start for on-loan Manchester United attacker Antony, who has managed three goals and one assist in his first five appearances for the club.
Getafe possible starting lineup:
Soria; Dakonam, Duarte, Alderete, Rico; Iglesias, Terrats, Arambarri, Perez; Uche, Mayoral
Real Betis possible starting lineup:
Adrian; Sabaly, Bartra, Llorente, Perraud; Lo Celso, Cardoso; Antony, Isco, Rodriguez; Hernandez
We say: Getafe 1-1 Real Betis
This is a really tough match to call, but Getafe do not often lose at home, while Real Betis are not reliable when it comes to posting wins on their travels. It would not be a massive shock to see either side triumph, but we are fully expecting the points to be shared on Sunday.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Matt Law
