Racing de Santander vs Getafe preview - Gonzalez wary of Getafe

Posted Saturday, January 21, 2012 by PA

Racing Santander have gone five games unbeaten under new coach Juanjo Gonzalez but he believes they face a tough task if they are to extend that run against Getafe.

The two sides are separated by just a point in the table but Gonzalez thinks Getafe's squad is both of a greater depth and quality than many of the sides around them.

He told a press conference broadcast on the club's website: "They are a side that are improving and starting to pick up points more regularly.

"They have a great squad with excellent individual players and a great potential. You just have to look at the level of some of the players who haven't played a lot - like Adrian Colunga, Diego Castro or Pedro Leon - to see the quality they have."

Gonzalez will be forced into at least one change from the side that won at Osasuna last weekend as Pedro Munitis is suspended, but Manuel Arana returns from his one-game ban.

Getafe have enjoyed a mini revival themselves in the past few weeks, with two wins and two draws from their last four, and manager Luis Garcia has highlighted the importance of a good result against Racing with matches away at Levante and then at home to Real Madrid to come in the next two weeks.

"This is a very important match as afterwards we have two very difficult games," he said. "Sure, we can win those ones too, but the match with Racing is vital.

"Racing know exactly how they are going to play. They are very well organised and they take full advantage of set-pieces."

Juan Valera and Dani Guiza are both doubts for the visitors but Pedro Leon returned after three months out last weekend at Zaragoza and could start.