Getafe and Almeria will meet for a huge relegation six-pointer in La Liga at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez on Wednesday.
The two clubs sit 16th and 17th heading into the midweek round of fixtures, with both in stuttering form.
Match preview
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After picking up just two points from a possible 12 since the international break, Getafe have slipped back towards deep trouble, sitting just one point above the relegation zone.
Picking up 12 points from seven games through February and March greatly aided their push for survival, but that was never going to be enough, and a shaky run has them looking over their shoulder again.
A few more points will be required especially against their relegation rivals, starting with this clash.
In Getafe's final eight matches, they will face five sides in the bottom eight, including Almeria in this one, so safety is still wholly in their own hands, but any defeats against those sides could be fatal.
They have got good home form to fall back on though, as Quique Sanchez Flores's side have won three and drawn two in their last five at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez.
Almeria historically have been poor travellers to this part of Madrid too, failing to win any of their 11 visits.
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That does not bode well for a side who have one of the worst away records in European football this season.
Rubi's men remain winless on the road in La Liga this season, one of just two teams in Europe's top five leagues still yet to win an away game in 2022-23.
A meagre four points from 14 matches away from home is the sole reason they are in such deep trouble, as their home form alone would have them challenging for Europe.
Their superior head-to-head record against Valencia is the only thing keeping Almeria out of the relegation zone presently, after back-to-back defeats against Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid.
With their only clean sheet in 2023 coming in a remarkable win over Barcelona in February, conceding goals continues to be an issue, as only Elche have conceded more than Almeria.
Team News
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Mauro Arambarri is set to be Getafe's only absentee for this encounter, as the Uruguayan midfielder continues to nurse an ankle injury.
Enes Unal should start up front again, with his goals proving vital in Getafe's survival hopes.
Only Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema have scored more than Unal's 13 in La Liga this season.
Almeria will welcome back Largie Ramazani after the wide man served a one-match suspension in the defeat to Athletic last week.
However, a booking to defender Rodrigo Ely in that match will see him banned for this one.
Top scorer El Bilal Toure remains out injured, along with Sergio Akieme, while Houboulang Mendes is doubtful after missing last week's defeat.
Getafe possible starting lineup:
David Soria; D Suarez, Djene, Duarte, Alderete, Juan Iglesias; Luis Milla, Maksimovic, Munir; Unal, Borja Mayoral
Almeria possible starting lineup:
Martinez; Kaiky, Chumi, Babic; Puigmal, Robertone, Melero, Costa, Centelles; Leo Baptistao, L Suarez
We say: Getafe 1-0 Almeria
Almeria's woeful away record is clear for all to see, and they may come unstuck again against a side who have been strong at home.
Getafe have not been beaten here since January and will hope to continue an excellent head-to-head record over Almeria.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
