Prediction: Getafe vs Villarreal

Verdict: Getafe to win – yes

Best Odds: 13/25

Bookmaker: 888sport

No matter how you look at Getafe’s season, it’s already been a massive success. Los Azulones have already clinched a European spot for next season, but they’re going for the big prize in the season finale as they’ll aim to capture a Champions League spot when hosting Villarreal on Saturday. Kick-off for this pivotal match at Coliseum Alfonso Perez is at 15:15 BST.

Getafe

Getafe have undoubtedly been one of the biggest surprises of the season and no matter what the outcome of the season is, they’ve already been a huge success. After all, the most optimistic predictions had them sitting around the middle of the standings, and now they’re one match away from reaching a 2019/20 UEFA Champions League spot – even if it doesn’t depend entirely on them. Los Azulones have struggled on crunch time, and their record over their last four league matches it’s a paltry W1, D1, L2 – not exactly the kind of form you want when you’re battling for a Champions League spot, right? The Madrid-based side has it quite simple here. They need to either win / draw and hope for a draw / loss from Valencia at Valladolid, or they have to better Valencia’s potential win by three more goals if they want to secure a Top 4 finish. Can they accomplish that goal in front of their fans?

Team News

Los Azulones won’t have four players available for this match.

The list of absentees includes Vitorino Antunes (knee), Markel Bergara (thigh) and Amath Ndiaye (knee) due to injury. Plus, Djene Dakonam has been suspended after reaching a new limit of yellow cards.

Villarreal

Villarreal might have turned things around and got away from a potential relegation threat with a few weeks left in the season, so they deserve credit where it’s due. However, there’s no doubt that a squad such as Villarreal should’ve been fighting for a European spot, not to avoid relegation to the Liga123 during the final weeks of the campaign. El Submarino Amarillo looked underwhelming all season long, but a solid run of form in their final weeks – where they’ve gone W3, D1, L1 in their last five league matches – has allowed them to clear off any relegation fears for good. Now already looking towards the 2019/20 season, Javier Calleja’s men have only one thing on their minds – to end the season as strongly as possible, and to put this year on the rear view as soon as possible. Can they end the campaign pulling the upset and securing the win against Getafe, a side that’s desperate to gain a win to keep their Champions League chances alive once it’s all said and done?

Team News

Villarreal won’t have Miguel Juan Llambrich due to a back injury. Meanwhile, Mario Gaspar is suspended after reaching a yellow card limit.

Meanwhile, both Bruno (knee) and Daniele Bonera (muscle) are questionable. But both have been out for quite a while, so their chances of returning in the final week of the regular season should be quite slim.

Key Factors to Consider

• Getafe rank as the fourth-best home side in La Liga this season (W11, D2, L5). They’re riding a four-game undefeated streak at home as well (W3, D1).
• Meanwhile, Villarreal have been quite inconsistent on the road (W5, D5, L8) where they’ve gone W2, L3 in their last five outings.
• Getafe also have the edge when it comes to the H2H record. They’re W3, L2 in their last five H2H meetings against Villarreal.
• Their last five H2H matches here also give an edge to Getafe. They haven’t lost in their last three home outings against El Submarino Amarillo (W2, D1).
• Four of the last five H2H meetings have seen only one side scoring.

Conclusion

Getafe have been one of the best home sides in the league this season. Plus, they’re currently on a four-game undefeated streak in front of their own crowd (W3, D1).

Given what’s at stake here, I expect them to secure the three points. They will do everything that’s in their power to keep their Champions League chances alive.

Verdict: Getafe to win – yes

Best Odds: 13/25

Bookmaker: 888sport