Granada vs Valencia Preview
Nineteenth-placed Granada will play host to eighth-placed Valencia at Los Carmenes in La Liga on Saturday, February 24.
The hosts enter this game on the back of a six-game winless run in La Liga. In that phase, they first lost three games, followed by three straight draws in their last three. Granada have conceded nine goals and scored five during these five games. Their last two games were spirited draws against Barcelona and Almeria as the club looked to will itself out of the relegation zone.
The visitors, on the other hand, enter this contest on the back of a mixed run of form. With two wins, two defeats and a draw in their last five, Valencia have been fairly inconsistent in the last few weeks. During that run, they scored just three goals and conceded five, keeping two clean sheets in the process. Their last outing was a goalless draw against Sevilla as both teams misfired despite decent chances. They were looking to get back to winning ways in the next one.
On that note, let’s take a look at the team news coming out of both camps.
Granada vs Valencia Team News
Granada
Manager Alexander Medina will have less headaches ahead of this game considering the injury list is nearly non-existent. The only doubt is forward Lucas Boye, who has been out with a calf injury for a few weeks. However, he has progressed well and could make the bench against Valencia.
Meanwhile, defender Ricard Sanchez (4) and Sergio Ruiz (4) face the risk of being suspended for too many bookings, having already been booked four times apiece in La Liga.
Valencia
Manager Ruben Baraja, too, will have a fairly easy selection process with just one injury to report. Winger Diego Lopez, who broke a cheekbone earlier this month, in on course to return to full fitness and could make the list of substitutes for the next game.
Fran Perez (4) and Hugo Guillamon (4) are both at the risk of being suspended for accumulation of booking with four apiece already this campaign.
Predicted Lineups
Here are the Granada vs Valencia lineups:-
Granada
Medina has dabbled with a 4-1-4-1 set up as well as a 4-3-3 set up in the last few games. However, he will likely stick with the latter considering it seems to bring the best out of all individuals in the XI.
Predicted XI: Augusto Batalla (GK), Ricard Sanchez, Kamil Piatkowski, Miguel Rubio, Carlos Neva (C), Sergio Ruiz Alonso, Martin Hongla, Gonzalo Villar, Facundo Pellistri, Myrto Uzuni, Oscar Melendo.
ALSO READ: Real Madrid vs Sevilla Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips.
Valencia
Baraja has stuck with his trusted 4-4-2 formation in recent times and it has brought the team some good results. He will continue with the same shape and players.
Predicted XI: Giorgi Mamardashvili (GK), Dimitri Foulquier, Mouctar Diakhaby, Cristhian Mosquera, Jose Luis Gaya (C), Fran Perez, Pepelu, Hugo Guillamon, Sergi Canos, Roman Yeremchuk, Hugo Duro.
Head-to-Head Record
These two sides have locked horns quite frequently since Granada’s promotion to La Liga ahead of the 2019-20 season. Since then, they have met six times, with Valencia recording three wins to Granada’s one, with two draws being shared.
All four wins recorded by the teams have come at their respective home grounds, with both draws coming at Granada’s home.
- Valencia 1-0 Granada (11/23)
- Valencia 3-1 Granada (03/22)
- Granada 1-1 Valencia (08/21)
- Valencia 2-1 Granada (03/21)
- Granada 2-1 Valencia (12/20)
Prediction
While Valencia are strong at home, they can be shaky on their travels and will come up against a transitioning Granada side in their next game. Considering the hosts’ recent changes, they should be able to get on the scoresheet.
However, Valencia are much higher in the table and have slightly better personnel as well. They are unlikely to lose this game but will score as well.
All this points towards an entertaining score draw between these two sides.
Prediction: Granada 2-2 Valencia.
Granada vs Valencia Betting Tips
Last four Granada vs Valencia games have seen both teams score, with three of those games even seeing three or more goals. Valencia have scored against Granada for the last 20 meetings in a row and are likely to continue along the same lines.
- Both Teams to Score – Yes: 1.99
- Over 2.5 Goals – Yes: 2.44
- Valencia to Score in First Half – Yes: 2.40
Granada vs Valencia Odds
- Granada Win: 2.75
- Draw: 3.05
- Valencia Win: 2.90
Granada vs Valencia Timings & Telecast
- Date & Time: Saturday, February 24th at 1:00 PM (GMT).
- India: Sports18, JioCinema app & website.
- UK: Viaplay & ITV.
- US: ESPN & ABC.
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