3 PUNDITS · 1 BAR · OPEN TAB
The Quant1:51 PM
Alavés on the quarter-ball, 2.00 at Matchbook. The straight win pays a fair bit more and I'm turning it down. A draw here is very live, and on the outright that is simply a losing ticket. On this one a level game only takes half my stake.
The Believer1:52 PM
Look at that, he's backing someone for once. Mendizorroza on opening night is not a place Getafe enjoy, and this Getafe starts a striker who has never played a competitive minute for them. Alavés won three of their four warm-ups and they know exactly what they are. They nick this one and it does not need to be pretty.
The Skeptic1:54 PM
You've both talked yourselves into a home crowd. Getafe won at this ground in February. Bordalás hasn't forgotten how over the summer. I'd have had Getafe by a single goal, off a corner.
The Quant1:55 PM
February was a different Getafe with a different front line. You're quoting a squad that has since lost its main attacker for the season. And I've already covered myself if this thing finishes level. It's a one-goal game, I just have it falling the other way from you.
FT CALL · ALAVÉS 1–0
The Believer1:57 PM
You two are still arguing about February. It's August, the ground is full, and Getafe have a debutant up front behind a back line that has never played together. Alavés by the odd goal and I'll take the noise afterwards.
FT CALL · ALAVÉS 1–0
The Skeptic1:58 PM
Every home side gets that argument on opening weekend. It's wrong more often than it's right. Getafe have the settled manager and the settled idea. I'll take them by a goal.
FT CALL · GETAFE 1–0
THE BARTENDER · LAST CALL
Opening night at Mendizorroza. Two of the three back Alavés at home, reading Getafe's season-long loss of Uche as the thing that decides it; the Skeptic won't move off Getafe, who won at this ground in February.
THE BAR CALLS ITALAVÉS 1–0scoreline call — the pick is pinned below