Girona vs Getafe prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2023-08-19 17:00.
Girona manager MĂchel inspired his players to a 1-1 draw away to Real Sociedad by challenging them to be the first squad to book the club a third consecutive season in Spain’s top flight. “Make history” and “Girona three times immortal” are the English equivalents of slogans he scrawled on a whiteboard ahead of their opening round match, along with the number 53 – which he has set as a goal for their end-of-season points tally.
That total was enough last season for Osasuna to sneak into European competition, so whilst it is a lofty ambition, continued improvement on the road is all they need if they can replicate the 33 points earned at home last La Liga (LL) campaign. That tally was largely built on seven wins against bottom-half opposition (D2, L1) such as upcoming opponents Getafe (W 3-1).
Getafe should know not to get carried away with what was an admirable 0-0 draw at home to Barcelona, particularly as they had kept Barça scoreless at home in each of the three previous seasons (W1, D2) despite finishing 15th on each occasion. Although frustrated his side failed to take advantage of his side’s brief numerical advantage, coach José Bordalás nonetheless hailed “a magnificent game” from his players.
Bordalás looks to have prioritised defending in his second period in charge of Getafe, and has delivered some impressive results to date, with that draw against Barcelona in addition to late season wins last term against top-seven finishers Osasuna (2-1) and Real Betis (1-0). Providing further room for cautious optimism, the Azulones have conceded just four goals across his eight games in charge – fewer than any other LL side during that period.
Players to watch: It didn’t take long for new Girona recruit Artem Dovbyk to make his presence felt, with his equaliser off the bench meaning he has now scored in 11 of his last 16 competitive club matches. Meanwhile, Getafe striker Borja Mayoral appears in line for a start following Jaime Mata’s red card last round – he scored before half-time in the previous H2H.
Hot stat: All but one of Getafe’s eight LL games during Bordalás’ current stint have produced fewer than 2.5 total goals.