UEFA CUP GROUP G: Getafe vs. Anderlecht

Getafe go into this last Group G match of the UEFA cup needing a single point to qualify for the next round. A defeat though, could see them eliminated so there will be plenty of nervous fans watching this game. The Spanish side lost again on Sunday in La Liga, which was their second consecutive defeat in their domestic league. They lost three goals to one at home to Villarreal in a very poor display. Certainly not one to inspire confidence before this game. If Anderlecht can take all three points they will finish top of the group and avoid a lot of difficult rivals, so they will be out in force to make sure they get the job done. Unfortunately, the Belgium club is also going through a difficult period, getting just one win from their last seven matches, and that victory was in the Belgium cup against a second division side. Neither side is high on confidence, which will result in a scrappy game where practically anything can happen, although Getafe do have the advantage of playing in front of their own crowd.

This game I think is going to be very difficult to predict, mostly because neither side is doing particularly well this season. This is Getafe’s first time in Europe after they were granted a UEFA place last year for reaching the King’s cup final (which they lost to Sevilla). Then coach Bernd Schuster decided to go to Real Madrid though, and Getafe brought in Michael Laudrup. His reign got off to a pretty bad start, but they have recently been playing better. However, they are still just one point above the relegation zone and should be looking to secure their place in La Liga next season rather than seek European glory. I’m going for an away win here, as Anderlecht have much more experience when it comes to crunch European games. Getafe though will still probably qualify in third place, which I am not sure will be a good thing for the club.

Prediction: Away win (1-3)