Getafe vs Mallorca: Match Preview and Prediction

December 21, 2024. 15:00. Getafe. "Coliseum".
La Liga 2024-25. Matchday 18

Getafe vs Mallorca

Suspended: Manu Morlanes, Vedat Muriqi (both - Mallorca)

Injured: Carles Aleñá, Borja Mayoral – Samu Costa

Questionable: Omar Alderete – Toni Lato

At risk of suspension: Diego Rico, Alex Sola (both - Getafe)

Getafe

The "Azulones" have a chance to end the calendar year with a home victory and at least maintain their position above the relegation zone, which currently separates them by just one point. This will not be the easiest home match of the season, but the hosts possess reasonable chances for success. Notably, Jose Bordalás's team has not won anywhere other than "Coliseum" in La Liga for quite a while. In fact, they have not even come close to away victory, although they have managed to secure points in a few away matches. This season, for instance, Getafe managed to finally avoid defeat against both Athletic Club and Villarreal. However, in their other six away matches, the "Azulones" suffered five "clean" defeats and only narrowly lost 1-2 to Real Betis after scoring a late consolation goal.

There were, to be fair, away successes in the Copa del Rey – a 3-0 victory over an amateur team and a penalty shootout win after a goalless draw against a fourth-division side, Orihuela. However, these are not the results to take into account. As for home matches, the results are significantly better, yet still below what could have been expected. Several times, Getafe deserved to win and were worthy of it, but luck evaded them. We immediately remember matches against Leganés, Osasuna, and Valencia, each concluding with the same scoreline of 1-1. There was also a defeat at the hands of a fatigued and injury-plagued Girona – another illogical result. Getafe's first home win of the season came at the end of September against Alavés (2-0) in matchday 8, followed by two more victories in their last two matches. First, the "Azulones" secured a 2-0 win over Valladolid, and then they narrowly defeated Espanyol 1-0.

Mallorca

In recent years, the Balearic Islanders fought for survival and played a rather pragmatic style of football under Javier Aguirre. In the off-season, the team was taken over by former Osasuna coach Jagoba Arrasate, and the progress is evident – there is currently no talk of a relegation battle. On the contrary, Mallorca has good chances to end the calendar year and the first half of the season in a European competition spot. Another notable difference is their away match results. Under the previous coach, these were extremely difficult for the team, while under Jagoba Arrasate, they have achieved more away victories in the first half of the season than in the last year and a half – four victories compared to three. This, mind you, is half the number of matches played this season. With the year coming to a close, they have the opportunity to improve this statistic, but a visit to "Coliseum" certainly won't be a walk in the park. Furthermore, the Islanders are feeling the effects of significant personnel losses.

After the international break in November, Jagoba Arrasate's team unexpectedly and somewhat incidentally won away against Las Palmas with a score of 3-2. That match featured a controversial and peculiar red card for Vedat Muriqi and an equally scandalous and strange free-kick, from which Joan Mohica scored the game-winning third goal. A week later, Mallorca secured a come-from-behind home victory against Valencia (2-1), but then lost twice in a row - 1-5 at home to Barcelona in a rearranged match of matchday 19 and 0-2 away at Celta Vigo. The previous match could have ended in defeat, but the Islanders showed character again and ultimately won against Girona 2-1. Despite the guests taking the lead in the 7th minute, Larin initiated and finished a quick attack in the 20th minute, the hosts found themselves down to ten men after a random red card for Vedat Muriqi in the 32nd minute, and in the 51st minute, the Balearic Islanders went ahead as Juanpe and Gasaniga assisted Larin for his second goal, confidently maintaining their slim advantage thereafter.

Getafe vs Mallorca: Projected Lineups

For Getafe, Carles Aleñá and Borja Mayoral continue their recovery. Additionally, the participation of key center-back Omar Alderete, who sustained an injury in the previous match against Atlético, remains uncertain. However, midfielder Mauro Arambarri returns to the squad after serving a yellow card suspension. As for Mallorca, the Islanders will miss midfielder Manu Morlanes, who can generally be considered a regular starter, and leading striker Vedat Muriqi due to suspensions. Also, they will be without injured full-back Toni Lato and central midfielder Samu Costa, one of Jagoba Arrasate's key players. However, captain Antonio Raíllo and utility player Valery, who missed the match against Girona due to a loan contract clause, are available once again.

Getafe vs Mallorca: Author's Prediction

Getafe has secured three wins, four draws, and suffered one disappointing and unexpected loss in eight home matches this season. Mallorca, as mentioned earlier, also has four wins and four losses in their eight away games, though they suffered those defeats against non-top teams. Prior to last season, Mallorca had a negative streak of four consecutive losses at "Coliseum" in La Liga matches, but in the final round of the previous campaign, they achieved a comeback victory here 2-1, scoring twice in the 90th and 90+3 minutes. However, Getafe did not put up much of a fight then, having completed their season objectives prematurely. Now, the "Azulones" will approach the game with a very different mindset, making them well-positioned to exploit the opponent's personnel issues. I am still not entirely confident in Jose Bordalás's team's victory, but Getafe is rightly considered the favorite in the upcoming clash. Therefore, my prediction is a non-loss for the hosts in a match that is unlikely to please with high scoring.