Getafe vs Sevilla FC
You could be forgiven for thinking there was a big gap between the sides positioned 15th and sixth in La Liga respectively.
However, three points is the only gap that separates hosts Getafe from Europa League winners Sevilla and that is a small advantage at this stage of the campaign.
That also means this weekend’s contest is more important than it may initially appear.
A record of three wins, four draws and four defeats from 11 matches has left Jose Bordalas’ hosts just two points above the relegation zone, yet still within touching distance of the top six.
The fact that Los Nervionenses have lost four of their 10 league matches so far means it has been a disappointing start for them too, although they have games in hand over the majority of the sides around them.
It’s all to play for at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez.
Talking Points
Getafe will want to bounce back from last weekend’s 3-0 hammering at the hands of lowly Levante. They are certainly better than that and only narrowly missed out on qualification for European football last term – this from a side whose ranks comprises many players from the lower leagues, some of whom were considering giving the sport up and getting day jobs not too long ago.
Front man Jaime Mata, who is suspended this weekend, was all set to start work as a customs officer when first Real Valladolid and Girona, and then Getafe stepped in to rescue his career.
Meanwhile, Canary Islander Angel Rodriguez joined after being instantly dismissed by Real Zaragoza for saying publicly that he wanted his club to lose against Tenerife, his hometown team.
Bordalas will need to make changes this weekend with both Chema Rodriguez and Djene Dakonam sent off last time out and the pair suspended alongside Mata.
Nemanja Maksimovic and Xabier Etxeita are expected to be handed starting roles, while Cucho Hernandez could switch from a wide position to join Angel in attack, with Damian Suarez likely to shake off a hamstring issue to feature at right-back.
Sevilla, who were narrowly beaten by champions Real Madrid last weekend and progressed to the last 16 of the Champions League in midweek, have high hopes in that competition but also should have domestically as they make strides – and create more La Liga highlights – under boss Julen Lopetegui.
Sevilla players celebrate after winning the Europa League title last season
They have already shown they can hold their own against the big boys of European football but do need results in encounters like this if they are to make the leap from bridesmaids to genuine contenders.
Sergio Escudero, Munir El Haddadi and Tomas Vaclik are all injured for the visitors, while Marcos Acuna faces a late fitness test with Karim Rekik on standby to play at left-back.
Former Manchester City man Jesus Navas and Sergi Gomez have both been passed fit, with Lucas Ocampos, Fernando and Luuk de Jong also set to return to the starting line-up.
Sevilla have only won twice at Getafe over the past decade, yet the home team has enjoyed fewer La Liga highlights and won only four of its 21 games in the last six months.
With stats like that, this has got a draw written all over it!
History
The record between these two clubs could hardly be closer. In fact, in the top division, both Getafe and Sevilla have beaten each other 12 times each with a further six meetings ending all square.
Last season, Sevilla completed a league double over their opponents with a 2-0 success in this corresponding fixture, courtesy of goals from ex-Manchester United frontman Javier Hernandez and Ocampos.
The return fixture, in February, saw Sevilla hit three goals without reply – Ocampos again on target along with Fernando and Jules Kounde.
Getafe did thump Sevilla by the same scoreline on home turf two seasons ago when a Mata penalty was swiftly followed by Jorge Molina spot-kick and a second Molina strike during a contest in which both sides finished with 10 men.
Betting Tip
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Getafe vs Sevilla FC | Sevilla FC Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 2.49 |
| December 12, 23:00 (GMT+8) |
The SBOTOP La Liga betting odds favour Sevilla as you would expect. They are odds on 1X2 @ 2.15 to win, with Getafe out @ 3.60.
For a comprehensive away win like last season – correct score 0-3 will pay out @ 24.00 – whereas a goalless draw (there hasn’t been one between these two since 2007) is on offer @ 6.00.
A 1X2 draw @ 3.05 may also be tempting.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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The post La Liga: Two Sides Strive for Better in the Coliseum appeared first on SBOTOP.