Getafe no pushovers in the capital

Atlético Madrid v Getafe
Saturday, 15:15
Live on Betfair Live Video
Backing Atlético Madrid to concede goals has been a reliable path to poverty in recent years, but there's reason to think Getafe have the tools to make this an interesting derby at the Wanda Metropolitano.
The last few weeks have been golden for José Bordalás and his charges: Getafe have risen to sixth in the league and made good progress in the Copa del Rey, Tuesday night's win over Valencia putting them within touching distance of the semi-finals. Whatever happens between now and the end of the campaign, this will go down as a memorable season.
Their budget may be relatively small, but this team packs a punch. Bordalás has instilled remarkable fighting spirit, and there's real craft in the final third, where Jorge Molina, Ángel Rodríguez and Jaime Mata are all chipping in with goals. Getafe last failed to find the net in a game way back in early November, and have been excellent away from home, with just one defeat in 12 (all competitions).
They look unlikely win this; Atlético have a knack of getting the job done in front of their own fans. But we like their chances of making life tough for Los Colchoneros, as they have for every single opponent so far this term.

Girona can test Barça defence

Girona v Barcelona
Sunday, 15:15
Live on Eleven Sports 1 and Betfair Live Video
Two local rivals also go toe-to-toe at Montilivi, where Girona are looking for a maiden top-flight win over Barcelona. Admittedly, there have only been three such meetings so far, and the 2-2 draw at Camp Nou earlier this season underlined just how far the White and Reds have come in recent years.
Yet a glance at the league table suggests a bit of caution is probably due. Girona are still in the Copa del Rey, which has bee a welcome distraction, but are just four points above the relegation zone at the start of the weekend. If their form doesn't improve - they have gone seven league games without a win and threw away a lead at Betis last weekend - there could be choppy waters ahead.
Barcelona will expect to win this, even without the in-form Ousmane Dembélé, who has been ruled out for two weeks after coming off against Leganés. Philippe Coutinho will be expected to step up to the plate in his absence, although Ernesto Valverde can also now call on the maverick charms of Kevin-Prince Boateng, an unexpected addition from Sassuolo earlier in the week.
The angle here is goals. Girona will be boosted by the return of creative spelling's Cristhian Stuani, who was suspended against Betis, and have scored in nine of 12 home games this term (all competitions), including fixtures against Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. Barça have kept just four clean sheets in 14 away from home (all competitions) and may not have things all their own way here.

Goals at a premium on Sunday night?

Espanyol v Real Madrid
Sunday, 19:45
Live on Eleven Sports 1 and Betfair Live Video
There aren't many sides in La Liga that have been struggling more than Real Madrid have been recently, but Espanyol tick that box. Rubí's charges were sitting pretty in the European places not so long ago, but have been on a disastrous run, losing eight of their last nine matches. Like neighbours Girona, they're glancing over their shoulders at the relegation picture.
In truth, this is probably just a case of reversion to the mean: theirs is a fairly limited squad, and there were plenty of people tipping them for the drop before the season began. The defence has been flighty, and there's an overall lack of star quality that has become far more evident as Borja Iglesias' goals have started to dry up. His regular partner in attack, Léo Baptistão, last scored on September 2, which just about sums it up.
The 2-0 win over Sevilla was a great result for Madrid, but it's too early to hail a revival, and there's no real reason to expect them to pile more woe onto Espanyol here: Los Merengues have won just four of their 10 away league games, and failed to impress even in victory against Huesca and Betis. Karim Benzema's return from injury is a boost, but they still have significant personnel issues and needed a Casemiro wondergoal to break through against Sevilla.
This could well be an attritional affair, low on magic in the final third. With neither side exactly firing on all cylinders, under 2.5 goals is our best option at 2.20.
RECOMMENDED BETS
Both teams to score in Atlético Madrid v Getafe at 2.38
Back Barcelona to beat Girona and both teams to score at 2.58 (Sportsbook)
Under 2.5 goals in Espanyol v Real Madrid at 2.20

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