Having made a poor start to the season, La Liga outfit Getafe face a big challenge here against Premier League high-flyers Brighton, as the pair continue their debut UEFA Conference League campaigns.
Match News and Current Form
Getafe will hope a 3-1 league win over Sevilla at the weekend helps kickstart their season, as they were winless in five matches against top-flight opponents in all competitions prior (D2, L3). José Bordalás’ side now chase European improvements having taken just one point from their first two league phase matches, with the Azulones conceding five goals in a European game for the first time ever against Lugano on matchday two (L 5-2). That was one of just four defeats in their 14 home matches in the main draw of European competitions (W9, D1), and their only loss at the Coliseum in any competition since early May (W6, D3).
Brighton had been winless in three across all competitions after exiting the EFL Cup on penalties at Manchester City (D1, L2), but returned to the Etihad Stadium three days later and won 1-0 to move third in the Premier League. Appearing every inch a top-four challenger domestically, the Seagulls remain favourites to win the Conference League this term, and have taken four points from their opening two games in the competition (W1, D1). Fabian Hürzeler’s side stuttered with last month’s goalless draw at Jablonec though, and have now failed to score in their last three European away outings (D2, L1).
Head-to-Head History
Getafe’s only previous H2H with an English side saw them win a UEFA Cup clash away against Tottenham in 2007 (2-1), while Brighton face a Spanish team for the first time ever here.
Hot Stats and Streaks
All four of Getafe’s Conference League matches saw both teams score.
Only two sides took more corners than Getafe (19) across the first two Conference League matchdays, one of which was Brighton (20).
Brighton have recorded a clean sheet in nine of their 12 European matches.
Six of Brighton’s last seven competitive away wins were accompanied by a clean sheet.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
After two goal involvements at the weekend (G1, A1), Enes Ünal now looks to add to his three in two career H2Hs against Brighton (G1, A2). Maxim De Cuyper’s assist last weekend was his eighth direct goal contribution for Brighton this term (G4, A4), while he’s also picked up four yellow cards this season.
Getafe remain without Zaid Romero, while Brighton have doubts over Ferdi Kadıoğlu and Pascal Struijk.
Betting Analysis
This marks the visitors’ sternest test yet in the Conference League, but Getafe’s recent struggles suggest Brighton to win to nil is still viable.
Author: Ben Olawumi