Preview: Alaves vs. Getafe - prediction, team news, lineups

Getafe square off against Alaves on Monday night keen to end a three-match winless streak in La Liga, which has left them fighting to qualify for next season's Europa League.

Meanwhile, Alaves welcome their next opponents to Mendizorrotza having suffered six straight defeats, putting the club at increasing risk of relegation to the second tier.

Match preview

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At the beginning of the week, Getafe had ambitions to earn a spot in next season's Champions League, sitting just four points adrift of Sevilla with five matches remaining.

However, back-to-back triumphs for their rivals, combined with a 3-1 defeat at home to fifth-placed Villarreal, have left Getafe out of contention for European football's premier competition.

Instead, Jose Bordalas and his side must focus on winning their remaining three fixtures, starting on Monday against opponents who face the threat of relegation.

Bordalas will also be wary of having to welcome an in-form Atletico Madrid to Coliseum Alfonso Perez next week, aware that a setback would leave their fate being decided on the final day of the season.

With three players also suspended for their next contest, Bordalas knows that he will have to rely on some of his squad members to step up in what is undoubtedly their most important game of the season.

While Getafe have been disappointing in recent matches, it does not compare to the last half-a-dozen performances from Alaves, who have failed to record a single point from their last six contests.

Having previously been regarded as contenders for a mid-table spot, Alaves are now potentially just one more defeat away from dropping into the bottom three, a scenario owing to the surprise resurgence of Mallorca.

Although Asier Garitano has witnessed his side concede just eight goals during their last five matches, they only have a consolation penalty against Atletico Madrid to show for their efforts in the final third.

With an improving Real Betis and Barcelona still to come, Alaves may have to rely on Mallorca failing to win any of their remaining three games in order to avoid another spell at the second tier.

Nevertheless, picking up just one point, preferably on Monday night, would put Mallorca in a position where they cannot lose two of their remaining three games, something which could prove pivotal over the next week.

Alaves La Liga form: LLLLLL

Getafe La Liga form: DDWLDL

Team News

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Getafe will be without Allan Nyom, Xabier Etxeita and Damien Suarez after they were all sent off in added-on time against Villarreal.

With Getafe being left short at right-back, it may leave Mathias Oliveira or Marc Cucurella to provide cover.

David Timor could drop back into the centre of defence to replace Etxeita, allowing Nemanja Maksimovic to return to midfield.

That could leave Faycal Fasr and Angel Rodriguez to be recalled on the left flank and in attack respectively.

Barring any late fitness issues, Alaves manager Garitano may consider selecting the same side which began the 2-0 defeat at Real Madrid.

That would see Lucas Perez continue to partner Joselu in the final third.

Alaves possible starting lineup:

Roberto; Navarro, Laguardia, Ely, Marin; Burke, Camarasa, Fejsa, Mendez; Perez, Joselu

Getafe possible starting lineup:

Soria; Olivera, Dakonam, Timor, Cucurella; Jason, Arambarri, Maksimovic, Fajr; A.Rodriguez, Mata

We say: Alaves 1-2 Getafe

With both teams out of form, we have to back the side with the most proven quality in their ranks. Based on their performances this season, that is Getafe, who we feel will edge out their hosts in a hard-fought battle.