Preview and Prediction
Barcelona’s win in the midweek seems to restore their lost confidence earlier this season. This could be their momentum to bounce back to the title race. They are currently sitting on the third of the standings. This weekend, Blaugrana is scheduled to take on the potential dark horse, Granada on the road. Diego Martinez’s men is now still on the sixth with six points difference from them.
Both teams’ previous games
Granada failed to snatch points in their visit to Eibar last weekend. They were beaten 0-2. Bryan Gil was the man of the match after bagging a brace for Eibar. It was a disappointing result for the visitors, as it pushed them off the top six on the table.
Meanwhile, Barcelona came back strong while taking on Athletic Bilbao in the midweek. They crushed Bilbao 3-2. Inaki Williams added his tally to four against Marc Ter-Stegen. Yet, Messi once again saved the day as the Argentine netted a brace plus was involved in the build up for the first goal by Pedri. This victory lifted them to the third.
Possible tactics
Diego Martinez tends to be in favour of 4-2-3-1 with the transition to 4-4-2. The veteran Roberto Soldado, is the targetman upfront while Antonio Puertas and Darwin Machis are likely supporting from both flanks. There are three players ruled out for this fixture. Sadly two of them are Luis Milla and Victor Diaz who are injured. Another name on the sideline is Neyder Lozano due tio the suspension
His counterpart, Ronald Koeman seems to have found the proper formation in 4-3-3 or 3-4-2-1. Messi seems to be more dangerous if occupying the false nine role. Thus, the Argentine will continue the role here supported by Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele. In the midfield, Frankie De Jong is the irreplaceable anchorman. Miralem Pjanic and Pedri will be accompanying him to keep the balance on the attack and defence.
Players to watch
Granada’s top performers this season are the Venezuelan Darwin Machis with two goals and three assists, another Venezuelan Yangel Hererra, Maxime Gonalons and the former Getafe and Newcastle man, Kenedy.
The Messidependencia in the Catalan side is still inevitable until today. The captain scores the most with nine goals plus provided two assists. Another key man to watch is the youngster Pedri. The 18-year old new signing has notched up two goals and two assists.
Granada vs Barcelona Prediction
It is another away fixture for the Catalan side and Granada has the potentials to stumble them. Their better mentality after their last outings against Bilbao could help Messi and Co pick up three points here.
Betting Odds
This clash is expected to be even. The home side’s win market is at 17/35 whereas Diego Martinez’s men are priced to win are at 32/5. The draw result is at the value of at 4/1.
