Sports Mole discusses Getafe's chances of success in the new La Liga season.
It was another solid campaign for Getafe last season as the Madrid-based outfit secured a mid-table finish in Spain's leading division.
They have kept the majority of their squad together this summer, which points to another comfortable season in La Liga.
Here, Sports Mole assesses whether El Geta could make an outside push for the top eight in the new campaign.
In: Pedro Leon (Real Madrid), Sergio Escudero (Schalke 04), Roberto Lago (Celta Vigo), Alexis (Sevilla)
Out: Abdelaziz Barrada (Al-Jazira), Hugo Fraile (Sporting Gijon), Mane (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Daniel Guiza (Cerro Porteno), Javier Arizmendi (Deportivo La Coruna)
Last season: 10th
Manager: Luis Garcia Plaza
Three key players:
© AP Photos
Pedro Leon: After scoring eight goals and registering nine assists in the 2009-2010 season, Leon departed Getafe to join Real Madrid. It didn't quite happen in the Spanish capital for the midfielder, however, with Leon departing after just one season. He has spent each of the last two seasons on loan at Getafe, but he made that move permanent in the summer. He played a key role in securing a respectable league finish for the club last season, but he will be asked to improve on his goal tally in the new campaign. Getafe have not exactly been active in the transfer market this summer, but securing the 26-year-old on a permanent contract will certainly aid their chances of success in the new season.
© Getty Images
Jaime Gavilan: The 28-year-old will once more wear the armband for Getafe in the new season. He is one of the more experienced members of their squad having joined on loan from Valencia in the 2005-2006 campaign, before making the move permanent in 2008. In terms of his goal contribution, it has not been the strongest with just six league strikes in 116 games. However, one thing that the Spaniard will give his team is complete and utter commitment to the cause. Getafe struggled to score goals last season, but they did not concede many either, with their ability to defend and indeed attack as a team one of their main attributes. A number of clubs were believed to be sniffing around him this summer, but he will start the campaign with the armband.
© PA Photos
Adrian Colunga: It wasn't exactly a campaign full of goals for Colunga last term, with the striker finding the back of the net on just six occasions in the league. However, when taking into account that of his 22 appearances only five were the full 90 minutes, his record does appear respectable. The 28-year-old has had 11 teams in his career thus far, but he has now been with Getafe for three seasons, although he did spend time on loan at Sporting Gijon in 2012. The powerful forward has had his fair share of personal problems in the last few seasons, but if he can find a run of form, he should break the 10-goal mark for his club, which would ease any possible doubts that they could struggle.
First game: Real Sociedad (A) Aug 18
Sports Mole says: It is difficult to be critical of a team that finished in 10th position last season, some 11 points clear of the relegation zone. However, if there is something that has been lacking at Getafe in recent seasons, then it is excitement. That's not to say that the supporters want their team to attack recklessly, but a degree of expressiveness would certainly be welcomed in the new campaign. They found the back of the net on just 43 occasions last season, while they conceded 57 times, which was around the same total as Valencia, Sevilla and Real Betis. There have not been too many incomings into the squad this summer, but they have managed to keep the bulk of their side together, which points to another solid, rather than spectacular campaign in Spain's leading division.
Predicted finish: 10th
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