Real Betis Balompié head into their sixth league match in soaring spirits after securing three consecutive victories, the latest a 2-1 win at Villarreal. On Thursday 17 September at 19:00 local time, the Verdiblancos host Getafe at the Benito Villamarín aiming to solidify their hold on third place in the table, which they currently occupy with 12 points from a possible 15.
The momentum under Manuel Pellegrini is formidable. Following a heavy defeat at Levante (5-2), the team has responded with three impressive wins: against Real Madrid (1-0), at Lille in the Europa League (3-2), and away at Villarreal. In that last match, goals from Cucho Hernández and Natan turned the score around after Gerard Moreno's opener. Rodrigo Riquelme, with two goals this season, is the team's top scorer in the league. The squad is nearly at full strength, with Aitor Ruibal the only confirmed absentee, allowing the manager to plan with all his options.
The visit of Getafe presents an opportunity, given the state of the Azulones' squad. Pepe Bordalás's team is on a five-match winless run and arrives at the Villamarín with a lengthy injury list, particularly in defence. Full-backs Kiko Femenía and Andrés García are out, as is centre-back Abdel Abqar. In attack, they will also be without the experienced Juanmi and Christantus Uche. These absences will force a reshuffle of the eleven that drew 1-1 with Deportivo last time out, where David Soria started in goal.
Betis, with their combination play led by Isco and the speed of Riquelme and Ez Abde, will look to dominate from the outset and exploit the opponent's defensive frailties. Getafe, for their part, will try to impose their physicality and aerial game, with Enes Ünal and Iván Azón as focal points. The precedent from last season, a 2-0 defeat at the Coliseum, serves as motivation for a Verdiblanco side keen to maintain their positive run. A win would allow Betis to keep pace with leaders Barcelona at the top of the standings ahead of the upcoming international break. The match is the next step in a congested fixtures schedule that includes European commitments.
