Preview: Getafe vs. Cadiz - prediction, team news, lineups

Saturday's La Liga action kicks off with Cadiz's trip to the Coliseum Alfonso Perez for their mid-table clash with Getafe.

Jose Bordalas's Getafe side beat Andalusia's Yellow Submarine 2-0 in the reverse fixture in December, but Los Azulones have gone winless in their last four league games, leaving the door open for Cadiz to challenge for all three points this weekend.

Match preview

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Getafe's rollercoaster campaign has somewhat plateaued in recent weeks, with the team having drawn their last three games in La Liga.

The club have endured the good, the bad and the ugly this season, weathering protracted winless streaks and moments of uncertainty concerning the longevity of Bordalas's tenure at the club.

Currently 15th in the table with 30 points under their belt, Getafe are at least now beginning to put some space between themselves and the dreaded relegation zone.

Last time out against Osasuna, the two clubs battled it out to a 0-0 draw, possibly producing one of the worst 90 minutes of La Liga football so far this season.

Bordalas may well be the more confident of the two managers coming into this game; his side have won two of their three top-flight encounters against Cadiz and have also never lost a home game against the Andalusian outfit in any competition.

Los Azulones forward Enes Unal could be instrumental to Bordalas's plans on Saturday; he has been involved in three goals in his last four league appearances.

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Cadiz's dramatic 2-1 win over Valencia last Sunday was marred by controversy following allegations that veteran centre-back Cala had racially abused the Los Che defender Mouctar Diakhaby.

The episode, which saw the match temporarily suspended after the Valencia players left the field in the 29th minute, has dominated much of La Liga's news coverage with both players speaking to the media in high profile press conferences this week.

While it is currently uncertain what the outcome of this situation will be, Cadiz will certainly come into Saturday's game with a lot on their minds.

Cadiz boss Alvaro Cervera will also be well aware that his side have won only two of their 30 top-flight away games to Madrilean opposition, one of which came in the form of a rare away win against Real Madrid earlier this season.

The Yellow Submarine, who are currently 13th in the table, also have the lowest possession rate in any of the top five European leagues this season (33.6 per cent).

One of the key reasons why they have been so effective without possession has been the stellar form of seasoned forward Alvaro Negredo, who has been involved in nine goals in 16 top-flight appearances against Getafe.

Team News

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Getafe have struggled for goals in recent weeks, but it does not feel like Bordalas is aware of a clear solution, having tinkered with his side considerably throughout the season.

Registering just six shots against Osasuna, Bordalas may opt to bring the likes of Takefusa Kubo and Unal back into the fray.

Bordalas will be without Sofian Chakla, Cucho Hernandez and Erick Cabaco for this tie, all of whom are injured.

Cervera will have to make a decision on whether to play Cala this weekend, but it is unlikely that the manager will leave the defender out.

Anthony Lozano is not expected to play any part in proceedings, with the Honduran out with a sprained knee.

Getafe possible starting lineup:
Soria; Iglesias, Djene, Etxeita, Olivera; Kubo, Arambarri, Alena, Timor, Cucurella; Mata

Cadiz possible starting lineup:
Ledesma; Carcelen, Fali, Cala, Espino; Salvi, Jonsson, Mari, Perea, Izquierdo; Negredo

We say: Getafe 1-1 Cadiz

Getafe have really lost their drive in recent weeks, and it is a sense of torpor that is contracted by the opposition too, typically resulting in humdrum stalemates that are not much use to anyone and are a hard pill to swallow for neutrals too. A couple of goals could liven this contest up, though.