Villarreal Travels to Getafe, Strengthening Top-Three Aspirations
Villarreal heads to Getafe this Saturday for a crucial LaLiga clash, aiming for consecutive victories that would enhance their bid for a top-three finish. Currently, Villarreal ranks fourth, trailing Atlético Madrid just on goal difference. This trip provides an opportunity to solidify their position as they push for Champions League qualifications.
Getafe’s Recent Form and Challenges
Getafe finds itself in a somewhat comfortable position after managing to accumulate five points over their last three matches. The club secured a 2-0 victory against Alaves following draws with Girona and Celta Vigo. As a result, they have climbed to 11th place, positioned four points above the relegation zone.
- Points from last three games: 5
- Current standing: 11th in LaLiga
- Points above relegation zone: 4
Despite their recent improvement, Getafe’s scoring issues persist. They have only netted 18 goals in 23 matches, making them one of the lowest-scoring teams in the league. At home, their performance has been subpar, claiming just 12 points from 11 games, the third-worst record in the league.
Villarreal’s Momentum and Goals
In contrast, Villarreal is riding high after a dominating 4-1 victory against Espanyol. This win follows a difficult stretch of four consecutive losses in all competitions, making it a significant turnaround for the squad. Prior to this, a draw against Osasuna allowed them to stabilize before beginning February on a positive note.
- Points accumulated: 45 from 22 matches
- Record: 14 wins, 3 draws, 5 losses
- Position: 4th in LaLiga
With a game in hand and a confident squad, Villarreal is keen on finishing in the top three, distancing themselves seven points ahead of Real Betis below them.
Head-to-Head Statistics
The historical context favors Villarreal, as Getafe is winless in their last 14 encounters with the Yellow Submarine. Their longest winless streak against a top-flight opponent puts Getafe at a disadvantage, especially considering a previous 2-0 defeat to Villarreal earlier this season. Overall, Villarreal has lost only nine of their last 48 matches against Getafe, with the last loss dating back to January 2019.
Team News
Getafe will be without key players Davinchi, Borja Mayoral, Abu Kamara, and Mario Martin due to injuries, with Juanmi uncertain for the match. Luis Vazquez, who has scored twice since joining on loan, is expected to lead their attack alongside Martin Satriano. Djene Dakonam may also play a role in midfield.
On the Villarreal side, Logan Costa, Pau Cabanes, and Juan Foyth are sidelined. Late fitness tests will determine the readiness of Willy Kambwala, Gerard Moreno, and Alfon Gonzalez. Nicolas Pepe, who excelled in the recent match, is likely to maintain a central role alongside Georges Mikautadze, with Alfonso Pedraza returning at left-back after suspension.
Predicted Lineups
Getafe: Soria; Abqar, Duarte, Romero; Femenia, Dakonam, Milla, Arambarri, Iglesias; Vázquez, Satriano
Villarreal: Junior; Mourino, Veiga, Marin, Pedraza; Buchanan, Parejo, Gueye, Moleiro; Pepe, Mikautadze
This match promises to be pivotal for both teams, with Villarreal seeking to bolster their top-three aspirations while Getafe aims to maintain their safety above the relegation zone.
