La Liga Preview: Getafe - Real Mallorca

Struggling Mallorca visit Getafe this weekend looking to end their poor run of form and find a morale boosting win. On the other hand, Getafe have been in stunning form lately, and are hoping that this weekend will bring no exception. With all these motives bustling around, its time to convert them into success stories on the pitch; Sunday night is the perfect chance.

Giant Killers

Getafe have been absolutely unplayable in recent weeks. The humble team from the outskirts of Madrid have managed a feat that no other side has even come close to, and that is not losing to either Barcelona or Real Madrid in successive games.

If anyone is to be thanked, it is Victor Munoz. The Spanish coach has done all that is necessary to turn things round in what looked like a very poor start to the season for Getafe.

It took Getafe two back to back losses to Valencia and Sevilla to finally realized that things wouldn't come easy this term, and Getafe found themselves slipping farther and farther away from the right side of the table.

Munoz's tactics, and indeed motivating his players, has been the key factor in turning things around. Against Barca at the Camp Nou, Getafe were an extremely organized side, closing down attacks through centre and along the wings. The encounter against Real Madrid, though, was a different story. The Madrid minnows pulled one over their city rivals, leaving Real Madrid sorely embarrassed and in a dreadful situation.

Last week’s 3-3 draw against Villarreal can either be seen as another marvelous achievement or a terrible mistake altogether. To get one thing straight, Getafe were nothing short of marvelous in the first half, and should have put the game to bed with the half time whistle. But, Villarreal went on to score three more goals, leaving Munoz’ men shocked, disappointed, and very sore.

The simple reason that Getafe conceded three goals was that they could not keep their game up and changed their whole philosophy of play, in just that 45 minutes. No longer did we see that Getafe side that forced Barca into grinding out a mere goal, but we saw a shaky midfield and an unconfident backline that were unwilling to press forward and take a risk.

Munoz will have had a good word with his men about improvement. If they perform like they did in the first half, then Getafe will take out an easy win. On the other hand, a repeat of the poor second half performance will leave the Alfonso Perez filled with angry fans who want their old team back to their winning ways.

Mallorca Maul Manzano

Things have been terrible for the Mallorca faithful this term, and the board have taken no time to point their finger at the man many consider at fault for this: Gregorio Manzano. The Italian coach has, for one, lost his dressing room. The Mallorca of last year is now nothing more than a distant memory, largely due to poor management and lack of motivation.

Reports in the press have already emerged that Manzano is destined for the sack, and former coach Serra Ferrer the most likely replacement. The fans strongly back their coach, but the President Vicence Grande is looking for a scapegoat and Manzano is his man. Grande’s poor decisions to let Ibagaza and Guiza go, without bringing in able replacements, has backfired now.

Mallorca are by no means a team that should hover above the relegation zone, and playing with this type of fire can be very dangerous for Mallorca, who are hoping that the team can come out of their current slump and slowly build up in the next half of the season.

Having only won a paltry three matches this season, the Balearic outfit know that anything less than all three points will not be satisfactory. If Mallorca lose again and fall into the relegation zone, then Manzano will be packing his bags and returning to Italy.

FORM GUIDE

Getafe

09/11    Getafe 0-3 Valencia (La Liga)                      

16/11     Getafe 0-2 Sevilla (La Liga )                          

23/11     Barcelona 1-1 Getafe (La Liga)

29/11     Getafe 3-1 Real Madrid (La Liga)

06/11     Villarreal 3-3 Getafe (La Liga)

Mallorca

09/11     Mallorca 3-3 Athletic Bilbao(La Liga)

16/11     Almeria 2-1 Mallorca (La Liga)

23/11     Mallorca 2-2 Malaga (La Liga)

30/11     Valladolid 3-0 Mallorca (La Liga)

07/11     Mallorca 2-3 Recreativo(La Liga) 

TEAM NEWS

Getafe

Victor Munoz will start a formation similar to the one that faced Villarreal, but this time he’ll be telling everyone their duties and making sure to say the right things during half time. Holding possession will be the key, and Granero should continue to pull the strings in midfield to make sure that everything goes smoothly.

Probable Starting XI (4-4-2): Abbondanzieri - Contra, Cata Díaz, Mario, Licht -  Granero, Polanski, Casquero, Gavilán -  Soldado, Albín

Mallorca

Manzano should be taking no risks this time as he will field his strongest XI. In training, the Italian has had a word with his players and they all understand the seriousness of the situation. Ball work and fitness has been the focus this week, but set-pieces are always were Mallorca make a difference. Miguel Angel Moya has had some fitness struggles lately but should be able to slot back between the posts.

Possible Starting XI (4-4-2): Moya - Josemi, Navarro, Ramis, Corrales - Varela, Santana, Marti, Arango - Webo, Aduriz.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Getafe Striker Juan Albin has been in the spotlight recently for his colossal displays over the past month. His pace on the counter will ensure that Mallorca always limit a player to two to keep an eye out for him. Is bound to be involved in most attacking plays, forming a dangerous partnership with Esteban Granero, who will be feeding him with through passes. When he’s on form, nothing seems impossible for this young Uruguayan starlet.

Mallorca

Not really a player, but Gregorio Manzano will be in the hot seat and the camera will turn toward him more than the odd number. On the pitch, Ivan Ramis continues to improve and will be vital in closing down attacking plays by Getafe. Will do everything possible to stop a goal from shaking Moya’s net, and he’ll be hoping that that’s enough.

PREDICTION

Mallorca’s morale has hit an all time low, and seeing their recent performances, its difficult to see any immediate improvement. The Alfonso Perez is rarely full, and indeed usually more than half empty, so Getafe will not have the traditional home advantage. If form and tactics are anything to go by, then the winner is clear already.

Getafe 1-0 Mallorca

Feras Saad, Goal.com