La Liga Preview: Getafe Rested and Ready as Real Sociedad Struggle for Away Wins

At 1:15 AM on September 2, in the third round of La Liga, Getafe will face a challenge from Real Sociedad at home, hoping to secure their first victory of the season.

In the meantime, Real Sociedad hopes to bounce back after losing to Alavés in midweek.

Despite losing several players over the summer, weakening their squad, Getafe’s performance at the start of the season has been relatively stable. Due to the new center-forward, Cristanus Uche, being forced to play as a striker instead of his usual attacking midfielder role in the first two matches, the team is facing some adjustments upfront. Although Uche was playing in the Spanish third division last season, he has already become an important player for Bordalás’ team. In the opening match against Athletic Bilbao, it was his goal that equalized the score, helping the team earn a valuable point. Last week, Getafe drew 0-0 with Rayo Vallecano at home, gaining another point.

Unlike most other teams, Getafe did not have a match this midweek, as their scheduled game against Real Betis was postponed due to the latter’s participation in the Europa Conference League qualifiers. Getafe hopes this extra rest will help them end their seven-match winless streak in La Liga.

On the other hand, Real Sociedad’s start to the season has been less than smooth, managing only one win and two losses in their first three La Liga matches. After losing to Rayo Vallecano at home in the opener, they secured a win away against newly promoted Espanyol thanks to Takefusa Kubo’s winning goal. However, this momentum didn’t last long, as they suffered another home defeat against Alavés on Wednesday. Due to Mikel Oyarzabal’s red card, Real Sociedad had to play most of the match with ten men. Despite Brais Mendes scoring first for the team, they were eventually overturned by Alavés and lost the match.

Currently, Real Sociedad ranks 13th in the league and hopes to improve their standing by defeating Getafe away. Since their 1-0 win over Getafe in February 2021, they haven’t managed to beat them away, recording two draws and one loss.

Getafe needs to assess the injury status of forward Borja Mayoral, who missed the first two matches due to a knee injury. Mauro Arambarri, despite getting injured in the first round, has now recovered and can come off the bench, potentially starting on Sunday. Uruguayan forward Álvaro Rodríguez may also be included in the squad, having just joined on loan from Real Madrid.

For Real Sociedad, Aritz Elustondo and Arsen Zakharyan are unavailable, while Álvaro Odriozola is doubtful due to an ankle injury. Oyarzabal is suspended following his red card, but Ander Barrenetxea could return from injury and make the squad. Benat Turrientes came on as a substitute on Wednesday but is expected to return to the starting lineup for this match.

Although Real Sociedad hopes to get back on track on Sunday, given that they haven’t won any of their last three away games against Getafe, securing a victory before the international break will be no easy task.

Getafe’s expected starting lineup:

Soria; Iglesias, Djene, Alderete, Rico; Arambarri, Aberdeen, Milia; Pérez, Sola, Uche

Real Sociedad’s expected starting lineup:

Rimero; Traoré, Zubeldía, Pacheco, López; Mendes, Zubimendi, Turrientes, Gómez; Kubo, Beccal

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