Deportivo Alaves vs Getafe 15 August 2026 Prediction

Alaves and Getafe will open the new La Liga season. Their recent head-to-head meetings have usually been tight, with no more than two goals scored in any of the last six. Alaves has kept its manager and most of last season's core, while Getafe had to make more significant changes during the summer. Can the more settled Basque side take advantage in the opening round?

Alaves Has Maintained Stability

Alaves enters the new season in solid shape. The Basque side has looked particularly reliable defensively, conceding only two goals across four preseason friendlies. The level of opposition was not especially high, however. Alaves beat recently relegated Girona 1-0, drew 1-1 with newly promoted Racing before winning 7-6 on penalties, drew 1-1 with Eibar, and defeated Segunda Division side Castellon 3-0. It is still too early to draw major conclusions, but the team handled comparable opposition well. Kike Sanchez Flores has not had to rebuild from scratch either. Most of last season's core remains intact, and AS has listed Alaves among the La Liga teams with the greatest continuity heading into the opening round.

The biggest departures were Guridi, who joined Sevilla after 148 appearances for the club, and regular starter Parada, who has moved to Spartak Moscow. There is also uncertainty over Boye, one of Alaves' leading scorers last season with 11 goals. The striker felt discomfort in the final preseason game against Racing and was substituted early. He remains doubtful, with a decision expected closer to kickoff.

Getafe Is Rebuilding Its Midfield

Getafe was one of La Liga's more reliable defensive teams last season, but that solidity has been less evident during preseason. The Madrid side conceded seven goals in six matches and kept clean sheets only against third-tier Reading in a 1-0 win and Segunda Division side Valladolid in a 0-0 draw. There has not been much attacking production either, with only five goals scored, three of them coming in Getafe's first two July friendlies. Jose Bordalas' team still knows how to maximize limited opportunities. Against Tottenham, for example, Getafe's only shot on target produced the goal in a 1-1 draw. That match was played as two 35-minute halves and came only two days after a 1-0 loss to Monaco, so Bordalas rotated heavily.

Central midfield has undergone the biggest changes. Milla and Arambarri, two key players from last season, have both left the club. Martin, who previously played for Getafe on loan and was signed permanently from Real Madrid this summer, said at a press conference that he is ready to take on a bigger role. The club also signed Terrats from Villarreal and brought Mangala in on loan from Lyon. Uche's preseason injury has created another problem, and Getafe is now looking to bring back former striker Unal.

Alaves vs Getafe Predicted Lineup

Alaves (3-5-2): Sivera; Jonny, Tenaglia, Valentini; Perez, Ibanez, Blanco, Alena, Yusi; Martinez, Rebbach

Unavailable: Boye, Koski, Protesoni (all doubtful); Garces (suspended)

Manager: Kike Sanchez Flores

Getafe (5-2-1-2): Soria; Garcia, Djene, Boselli, Romero, Davinchi; Martin, Terrats; Mangala; Mayoral, Satriano

Unavailable: Uche, Juanmi (both injured)

Manager: Jose Bordalas

Alaves vs Getafe Prediction: Getafe Double Chance (X2)

Main prediction: Alaves had a decent preseason, but the Basque side generally faced weaker opposition than Getafe. The visitors were tested against stronger European teams, and Bordalas' compact, pragmatic style is well suited to an away game at Mendizorrotza. Getafe should be comfortable defending deep, playing without the ball, and looking for opportunities in transition, while Alaves will have to take more responsibility in possession. The head-to-head record also favors the visitors, with Getafe unbeaten in the last four meetings between these teams. Our pick is Getafe Double Chance (X2) at odds of 1.65.

Totals prediction: Alaves may begin the season with an important attacking absence, as Lucas Boye is doubtful for the opening round. Without one of last season's main finishers, breaking down Bordalas' compact defense could be difficult. The recent head-to-head numbers support that view as well: Alaves has scored only once in its last four meetings with Getafe. Our pick is Alaves under 0.5 team goals at odds of 2.65.