Getafe play host to Celta Vigo on Wednesday evening with the opportunity to move level on points with their opponents in the La Liga standings.
However, the visitors have prevailed in their last four top-flight encounters, a streak which has taken the club into eighth position.
Match preview
© Reuters
After seven matches without success in Spain's top flight, Getafe boss Jose Bordalas was under pressure to return to winning ways against Cadiz on Sunday.
However, the tag of underdogs suited the visitors, who recorded a 2-0 victory to move two points clear of the relegation zone.
The dramatic win over lower-league Anaitasuna in the Copa del Rey has the potential to act as a catalyst for this side as they bid to get back into contention for a European place.
With a trip to leaders Atletico Madrid to come before the end of the year, Bordalas will feel that his team can ill-afford to lose for a third time in four matches.
While top goalscorer Angel Rodriguez has gone three games without finding the back of the net, Cucho Hernandez ended his goalless streak with an effort at the weekend.
As far as Celta are concerned, they will view this occasion as an opportunity to strengthen their position in the top half of the table, something which appeared unlikely at the November international break.
Recently-appointed boss Eduardo Coudet has made an instant impact at Balaidos, winning five games in succession after a 4-2 defeat at Sevilla in his opening match.
Relegation should no longer be of any concern for this group of players, who have netted 18 goals since the arrival of Coudet on November 12.
Although Iago Aspas remains as the club's star man, playmaker Brais Mendez has contributed three strikes during his last two appearances.
Getafe La Liga form: LDDLLW
Getafe form (all competitions): DDLLWW
Celta Vigo La Liga form: DLWWWW
Celta Vigo form (all competitions): LWWWWW
Team News
© Reuters
Getafe will be without Mathias Olivera, who joins Chema Rodriguez in being suspended for this fixture.
With Allan Nyom potentially being required to fill in at left-back, Jaime Mata could feature on the right-hand side of midfield.
Barring any late fitness issues, Coudet is unlikely to make any changes to his Vigo starting lineup.
Despite being substituted on his last five starts, Nolito is expected to retain his place on the left flank.
Getafe possible starting lineup:
Soria; Suarez, Cabaco, Dakonam, Nyom; Mata, Maksimovic, Arambarri, Cucurella; Hernandez, Rodriguez
Celta Vigo possible starting lineup:
Blanco; Mallo, Araujo, Murillo, Olaza; Beltran, Suarez, Tapia, Nolito; Aspas, Mendez
We say: Getafe 1-1 Celta Vigo
After their recent surge up the standings, Celta will be confident of extending their winning streak to five matches. However, despite their inconsistency, Getafe remain a solid outfit, and we expect the home side to battle their way to a share of the spoils.
Top betting tip
Data Analysis
Our analysis of all available data, including recent performances and player stats up until an hour before kickoff, suggested the most likely outcome of this match was a Celta Vigo win with a probability of 42.56%. A draw had a probability of 29.2% and a win for Getafe had a probability of 28.28%.
The most likely scoreline for a Celta Vigo win was 0-1 with a probability of 14.17%. The next most likely scorelines for that outcome were 0-2 (8.62%) and 1-2 (8.04%). The likeliest drawn scoreline was 1-1 (13.23%), while for a Getafe win it was 1-0 (10.88%). The actual scoreline of 1-1 was predicted with a 13.2% likelihood.
