Getafe will be hoping for their second victory of the season when they host Girona at the Estadi Montilivi on Sunday evening as La Liga action returns. Girona comes off a tough 4-0 loss to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, while Getafe fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Celta Vigo in their latest league fixture. Both teams will look to bounce back in what promises to be an intriguing contest.
Match Preview: Getafe vs. Girona
Getafe
It has been a tough campaign for Getafe, who have managed only one win, seven draws, and four losses in their 12 La Liga games and sit 16th, one point above the relegation zone. Only their win against Alaves had been followed by draws against Osasuna, Villarreal, and Valencia prior to the loss last time out to Celta Vigo.
The defensive-minded Getafe have shipped just 10 goals – the third-best defensive record in La Liga – but goalscoring has been their clear problem, with a joint-low eight goals in the league. Famously blighted by draws, Getafe will look to make it a third straight home league win over Girona, having edged out the opposition 1-0 in last season’s corresponding clash.
Girona
Girona had to prove whether they can stand up after the Champions League 4-0 loss to PSV. Their European campaign has been pretty challenging, with just three points from four matches, keeping them down the table in 29th place.
In La Liga, Girona has been erratic this season and currently sits in 12th place with four wins, three draws, and five losses. Though they have been struggling lately, they managed to secure a very exciting 4-3 win over Leganes on their last domestic outing, which was their third home win this season. On the road, though, they have been feeble with only one away win. At home and against an unbeaten Getafe, Girona must put up an imposing performance to be able to break their opponent’s solid defense.
Team News
Getafe
Getafe will also lack the services of Djene Dakonam who suffered an hamstring injury and could miss out on this weekend’s action, while Bertug Yildirim and Borja Mayoral are still doubtful for this weekend’s match. Defender Juan Berrocal is also ruled out of this encounter through suspension following his sending off against Celta Vigo. In case both Yildirim and Mayoral do not make it for the match, Christantus Uche may again play in the center-forward position. The young forward reportedly has Chelsea sniffing around for him as a potential transfer target.
Girona
Girona, too, will face some big injury absences, coming in the form of Arnaut Danjuma, Gabriel Misehouy, Alejandro Frances, Abel Ruiz, Yaser Asprilla, Jhon Solis, Portu, Viktor Tsygankov, Ricard Artero and Ivan Martin. This indeed leaves head coach Michel with very limited options, particularly in attack. Due to all these absences, Donny van de Beek may be able to cling to his place in the starting XI, whereas Arnau Martinez, suspended in European action, will be back and ready for action in this La Liga clash.
Predicted Lineups
Getafe Predicted Starting XI:
Soria; Nyom, Duarte, Alderete, Rico; Aberdin, Milla; Perez, Arambarri, Sola; Uche
Girona Predicted Starting XI:
Gazzaniga; Juanpe, D Lopez, Blind; A Martinez, Herrera, Silvi, Gutierrez; Gil, Miovski, Van de Beek
Prediction: Getafe vs. Girona
This is predicted to be a close encounter with both teams suffering from absent key players. Home defensive solidity on display by Getafe, coupled with the weakened traveling squad of Girona, supports a no-upset draw.
Prediction: Getafe 0-0 Girona
