Sevilla faces a critical challenge as they strive to maintain their position above the La Liga relegation zone, with a showdown against Getafe awaiting them in the Spanish capital on Saturday afternoon.
Currently occupying the 16th spot in the La Liga standings, Sevilla sits six points clear of the relegation-threatened 18th-placed Cadiz. Meanwhile, Getafe finds themselves in a more comfortable position at 10th place, having accumulated 38 points from their 29 matches, showcasing a commendable performance throughout the season.
In recent years, Getafe has typically finished in the 15th position in La Liga. However, this season presents a different scenario, with the team poised to secure a top-half finish. They currently share points with the ninth-placed Villarreal and trail seventh-placed Real Betis by only four points. Yet, they must remain vigilant, as they hold just a two-point advantage over Osasuna, positioned at 12th place.
Despite facing challenges in their attacking front following Borja Mayoral's season-ending knee injury, Getafe managed to clinch a crucial victory over title-contending Girona with a 1-0 win on their home turf before the international break.
Getafe has showcased strength in their home performances this season, accumulating 28 points from 14 matches, boasting eight victories and only two defeats on their home ground.
Having secured a convincing 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture at Estadio Ramon back in December, Getafe aims to replicate their success and complete a league double over Sevilla this season.
Sevilla, on the other hand, concluded the recent international break after a 2-1 defeat at home to Celta, plunging them back into the relegation struggle as the season approaches its climax.
The team from Nervión has recorded six victories, ten draws, and thirteen defeats in 29 league matches this season, accumulating a total of 28 points which currently places them in 16th position in the standings. They are only six points clear of Cadiz, who occupy the 18th spot.
Last season, Sevilla finished in 12th place in La Liga, marking their lowest finish since their relegation to the second division in 1999-2000. However, they managed to salvage their campaign by clinching the Europa League title.
This season, European success seems unlikely for the team, and another poor result on Saturday would leave them vulnerable ahead of their trip to Las Palmas in mid-April.
During the 2023-24 campaign, Sevilla has only secured victories in two out of their 14 away league fixtures. Additionally, they have suffered defeat in their last two La Liga encounters against Getafe, including a 2-0 loss in the corresponding fixture in the Spanish capital last season.
As mentioned earlier, Getafe will be missing their top scorer Mayoral, and Mauro Arambarri won't be available due to a serious knee injury for the rest of the season.
Despite these setbacks, the home team seems to be in good form, especially considering their performance against Girona before the international break. It wouldn't be surprising if they fielded the same starting eleven for this upcoming match.
In the previous game against Girona, Oscar Rodriguez played in the central position, while Mason Greenwood and Nemanja Maksimovic operated on the wings. This setup might be repeated in the upcoming game.
It's likely that 19-year-old Yellu Santiago, who scored his debut goal for the club in the previous match, will also start again.
On the other hand, Sevilla has seen improvements in their injury situation recently, providing head coach Quique Sanchez Flores with a stronger squad selection.
However, Loic Bade might still be doubtful due to a muscular issue, and experienced defender Jesus Navas will miss the game due to suspension following a yellow card milestone in the previous match against Celta.
Changes are expected in the starting lineup for Sevilla, with Dodi Lukebakio, Juanlu Sanchez, and Suso likely to start. Nevertheless, Youssef En-Nesyri and Isaac Romero are set to continue as the front two attackers.
