Prediction: Espanyol vs Getafe

August 28th 2010

Espanyol enjoyed a pretty successful season last term, finishing La Liga campaign in mid table, but los Periquitos are aware they need a bright start in order to realize their ambitions this season. Getafe have started the season earlier due to their Europa League commitments but they could have some problems at Montjuic with the game coming just three days after the APOEL match in Europa League.

Espanyol have established themselves as a serious La Liga side over the last few years and talented coach Mauricio Pochetino has got to be given some credit for it. The Argentine managed to stabilize the team and guided them away from the relegation zone two years back, before keeping the team outside the relegation struggle last term. Los Periquitos have signed a couple of very good players in Jesus Datolo, Sergio Garcia and Felipe Mationi, while they stayed without club legend Raul Tamudo, who hasn’t even played that much last term. Over the course of last few seasons, Montjuic has become a real fortress and this is the place where even much stronger teams than Getafe have fallen. There is no doubt the hosts will do everything they can to open the season with a win, but Felipe Mationi and Victor Ruiz will not be able to help them due to injury and suspension respectively.

Getafe have been making steady progress ever since they gained promotion to the elite division in 2004, with the sixth-place finish last season becoming their best ever result in the top flight. The excellent league campaign allowed them to participate in this year’s Europa League, where they managed to reach the group stages by knocking out APOEL after extra time. While the good result achieved three days ago in Cyprus is set to serve as a big confidence boost for the team, the players could have tired legs when facing Espanyol after the 120-minute battle against APOEL. On top of that, boss Michel will have to make do without Mane, Casquero, Mario and Ibrahim Kas, and that is likely to damage Getafe’s chances of getting a positive result at Montjuic.

Conclusion

Espanyol were quite a force to be reckoned with at their Montjuic last season and they could easily continue the good home run against tired Getafe. The team from the suburbs of Madrid lost no less than 12 away games last term and their travel sickness is unlikely to be cured in Barcelona.

Verdict: Home win Espanyol (1)

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: Ladbrokes