Alaves come into this one off the back of a thumping 3-0 friendly win over Castellon at the end of July. That result tells you they are sharpening the knives in preseason, goals flowing, confidence building. They are at the Estadio de Mendizorroza, a ground that has always been a fortress for the Basque side, where the crowd can suck the ball into the net. Getafe, meanwhile, edged Reading 1-0 in their own friendly, a typical Getafe performance — tight, ugly, one goal enough. They don't need to impress anyone, they just need to survive and nick something. Both sides are clearly in the early rhythm of the season, still finding their legs, still experimenting. That means the first competitive fixture of the campaign often turns into a chess match rather than a shootout.

Neither team has a coach or formation listed in the brief, which is honest — we don't have the confirmed tactical setup yet. But we know the DNA. Alaves under any manager will look to press high, use the width of Mendizorroza, and get the crowd roaring. Getafe, regardless of who sits in the dugout, will park the bus, make it ugly, and dare you to break them down. Recent results show both teams winning, but friendlies are friendlies — the intensity jumps tenfold when the league starts. Momentum is balanced, but the edge in style goes to Alaves at home. Getafe will be happy to leave with a point, and that mindset is dangerous for anyone expecting a home romp.