Real Madrid v Getafe

Two side from Madrid meet but we cannot really call it a derby. Two sides with massively different objectives. Key point: Can Los Blancos reduce the gap on Barca?

Real Madrid v Getafe – Bernabeu 21:00 CET

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Team News:

Superstar Mbappe is ruled out for a few weeks and that is of course is massive loss. He joins Asencio, Militao, Bellingham and Ceballos on the injury list. On a bright note, centre back Dean Huijsen has been passed fit. Rodrygo (winger) is doubtful.

For Girona: Davinchi,Kamara, Abqar and Dakonam are out for this one. Juanmi and Mayoral are all fit again after injury.

Formations:

4-4-2 for Real Madrid under Arbeloa so far. They were poor in the recent defeat to Osasuna but improved in midweek. Without Mbappe they are obviously less dangerous. That said, they got more than enough quality in their squad compared to most teams on the planet. If Rodrygo is not ruled fit enough to start the combined loss of these two will definitely be felt.

3-4-2-1 is the usual standard for Getafe but for this one it will likely be 5-3-2 with low blocks. Expect to see very aggressive tackling and pressing.

Statistics:

Referee: Alejandro Muniz (Average cards 5.09 Yellow 0.27 Red)

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Match Preview:

Real Madrid are 2^nd place now and 4 points behind Barcelona, but with one game in hand. Home form is almost perfect with 11 wins from 12 games. Recent form is good with 5 wins from 6 games. The only blip though was that terrible performance in losing 2-1 at Osasuna last week.

Getafe are in 13^th place and are just 5 points above the relegation zone. Only Oviedo have scored less goals this season. Just 20 goals in 25 games for Getafe. However, they are solid at the back. Just 29 goals conceded, only 4 other sides have conceded less goals. Away form is ok with 4 wins from 12 games. Recent form isn’t great with 2 wins, 3 draws and 4 losses.

Betting Preview:

Getafe are expected to adopt a highly physical approach throughout the match, remaining defensively disciplined but offering limited threat going forward. Despite Real Madrid’s absences, the hosts should still have sufficient quality to secure a comfortable result. A Real Madrid win to nil represents solid value.