Getafe take on Eibar this Friday in La Liga with both sides looking to bounce back from opening day defeats. These were two of the over-achievers last term so expectations have been raised to some extent, particularly at Getafe who have also invested heavily over the summer by their usual standards.
It will be really interesting to see what kind of team they pick here and how they perform. Last weekend’s trip to the Bernabeu saw them play 4-5-1 with veteran target-man Jorge Molina up top while most of their more exciting summer additions warmed the bench. They were the third best defensive side in La Liga last term but their transfer activity suggests they may look to employ a more adventurous approach this term when they ought to feel confident in their ability to at the very least stay in the division.
They’ve added firepower in the shape of Jaime Mata and Sergi Guardiola, who netted 57 goals between them in the Segunda Division last term and both players will be hoping to get a chance to stake their claim for a regular start here. José Bordalás has the added pressure of trying to keep players happy this season with a much improved squad but he will be keen that his team doesn’t forget the basics which fired them to the brink of Europa League football last term.
Eibar fans have a bit more reason to be concerned though. They’ve improved on their previous finishing position in every season of their four year stay in La Liga but an opening day home defeat to relegation favourites Huesca suggests there may be no repeat this term. They’ve been written off many times before of course and recovered from the loss of key players but the departure of skipper Dani Garcia this summer is a particularly tough one to take. He had been at the club throughout their rise from the Segunda B to the top flight but will be in Athletic Bilbao colours this season having moved across the Basque Country on a free.
Getafe vs Eibar Predictions
Betting Tips: Getafe Win, Getafe Win to Nil
Backing the hosts looks like the way to go here. Eibar were poor on match-day one in a game they started as clear favourites and a trip to Getafe is no easy task these days. They won 9 home games in La Liga last term, an excellent tally for a newly promoted club and 7 of those wins were to nil. A 47% clean sheet ratio in front of their own fans last season is further testament to their defensive qualities and having invested smartly this summer, they should have enough about them to bag all the points here with a clean sheet a real possibility.
Score Prediction: 2-0 Getafe
Getafe’s main challenge this season will be trying to score more goals. The signings they’ve made suggests they are capable of doing that but they are still not a team that is likely to take great risks so we’re going for a solid 2-0 home win here.
Match Stats
- Getafe have kept a clean sheet in 8 of their last 13 home league games.
- Their last 5 home matches in La Liga have produced just 6 goals in total.
- Their last 6 home league wins have all been to nil.
- Eibar have won just 1 of their last 8 matches including pre-season games.
- They didn’t lose any of their final four away matches last term.
Head to Head
Getafe are unbeaten in their last 6 at home to Eibar, although the last 3 have been drawn. Getafe have only won once against them in the top flight though, a 1-0 win in the Basque Country last term.
Team News
Getafe Team News:
We should see Getafe switch to a 4-4-2 here. That will see Angel or Jaime Mata come in up front alongside Jorge Molina in what may be the only change from last week.
Eibar Team News:
Changes are likely after a poor start to the season. Gonzalo Escalante should come in but Pedro Leon remains out injured.
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