At the Estadio Mendizorroza, expect Alavés to try and take the game to Getafe. They'll look to use the energy of the home crowd, push high, and force the issue. But Getafe under Bordalás are masters at sucking the life out of a game. They'll sit deep, compress the space, and dare Alavés to break them down. It's a classic clash: the willing attacker against the stubborn defender.

Up front for Alavés, Toni Martínez and Lucas Boyé are expected to lead the line — a powerful, physical duo who can hold the ball up and bring others into play. Carles Alena could slot into midfield, adding a bit of craft. But Miguel Rodríguez is missing, and that's a blow. He's the kind of player who can unlock a low block with a moment of magic. Without him, Alavés might lack that spark in the final third.

Getafe's formation isn't confirmed, but you don't need a diagram to know how they'll set up. Bordalás will have them organised in a compact shape, probably a 4-4-2 or a 4-5-1, with two banks of four making life miserable for the hosts. They'll look to win second balls, launch long throws into the box, and nick a goal from a set-piece. It's not pretty, but it's effective. Alavés will have the ball, but what they do with it is the question.

The midfield battle will be a dogfight. Getafe will pack the centre, force Alavés wide, and then swarm any cross that comes in. Alavés will need patience, quick passing, and runners in the half-spaces to find a way through. If they get frustrated, Getafe will smell blood on the counter. This has the makings of a chess match, not a firework display.