Deportivo Alavés and Getafe are set to clash this Sunday at Mendizorroza in a critical match for their hopes of avoiding relegation. Kickoff is scheduled for 14:00 hours, and both teams are keenly aware of the stakes involved in this match.
Under the management of Eduardo Coudet, Alavés recently experienced a setback in the Copa del Rey, bowing out to Real Sociedad. However, they have bounced back in La Liga with consecutive victories against Real Betis (2-1) and Espanyol (1-2), bringing their total points to 25, just three above the relegation zone. The team’s recent form represents a significant turnaround, achieving a feat of two league wins in a row, something they hadn’t accomplished earlier in the season. Their home ground has been a fortress where they have secured the majority of their points.
Plagued by injuries, Coudet faces uncertainty in his defensive lineup, particularly with the absence of central defenders Carlos Protesoni and Ville Koski. Facundo Garcés, returning from suspension, is expected to play a crucial role in reorganizing the defense alongside Jonny Otto and Nahuel Tenaglia. In the midfield, Antonio Blanco and Pablo Ibáñez will return, joined by Calebe and Rebbach on the flanks. The inclusion of Denis Suárez remains a decision to be made, as he could either start or come in as a substitute alongside recent signings Ángel Pérez and Ibrahim Diabate.
On the other hand, the situation at Getafe is dire after failing to win their last eight matches, plunging them into the 17th position, just one point above the relegation zone. This drastic drop from a previous flirtation with European spots has put pressure on José Bordalás and his players. The fans have expressed their frustration, particularly following a goal-less draw against Girona that saw some booing directed at the manager for what they deemed conservative substitutions.
Despite the struggles, the defense showed signs of improvement, managing to keep a clean sheet for the first time since a victory over Elche on November 28. This resurgence is partly attributed to new signings like Argentine Zaid Romero, who has proven effective in defense, alongside forwards Luis Vázquez and Martín Satriano, who contribute significantly to pressing the opposition.
Bordalás will likely start with Romero, Vázquez, and Satriano in the lineup, while Sebastián Boselli and recently signed Veljko Birmancevic will start on the bench. Abdel Abqar, a former Alavés defender who has recovered from a muscle injury, might also make an appearance as a substitute. The only absentees from the squad are the injured Borja Mayoral and Davinchi, as the rest of the team gears up to halt their alarming streak of poor results.
With both teams eyeing a critical win to steer clear of relegation, anticipation is high for what promises to be a fiercely contested match at Mendizorroza.
Probable lineups are as follows:
Alavés: Sivera; Tenaglia, Garcés or Parada, Pacheco, Otto; Blanco, Ibáñez, Calebe, Rebbach; Denis or Toni and Lucas Boyé.
Getafe: Soria; Kiko Femenía, Duarte, Djené, Zaid Romero, Juan Iglesias; Mario Martín, Milla, Arambarri; Satriano and Luis Vázquez.
Referee: Juan Martínez (Comité Valenciano)
Stadium: Mendizorroza
Time: 14:00
TV: Movistar+ LaLiga