Getafe face resurgent Alaves on Sunday knowing they will have a tough task against a side looking to turn their season around.

Bernd Schuster's ninth-placed European chasers take on an Alaves Soccer Club side who have shown signs of life after dragging themselves off the foot of the table with two wins from their last three outings.

After a spectacular start to the season, Getafe have endured a tough January of highs in the 5-0 win over Espanyol and lows in worrying defeats to lowly Cadiz and Athletic Bilbao.

Although they remain within striking distance of the European places, Getafe, in only their second-ever season in the top flight, have just one objective on their radar - survival in the Primera Liga.

"If we can beat Alaves it is another massive step towards securing another season in this league because it would take us past the psychological barrier of the 30-point mark," said Getafe defender Ruben Pulido.

"It would also put more points between us and another direct rival, and give us the advantage on goal difference against them. There is more than just three points at stake.

"We have to be confident and go out to face them really motivated like we have done against the top sides, against whom we've played well this season.

"Playing teams who you are competing with directly are the hardest kind of games and we know Alaves will be highly motivated after a couple of good results recently."

Getafe are without suspended centre-back David Belenguer, with 19-year-old Brazilian Jaja Coelho pushing for a start following his move earlier this month.