Preview and Prediction
One of the most surprising dark horses this season, Granada is involved in a six-way tussle for Europa League spot. One of their contenders, Valencia, will encounter them this weekend. Both share the same exact 46 points with Roberto Soldado and Co on the ninth and Valencia just below them.
The teams’ previous matches
On the midweek fixture, Granada managed to steal a maximum points while taking on Alaves. They crushed the host 2-0 by the goals of Antonin and the senior striker Roberto Soldado. It was their second win since the lockdown and helped them stay on race for European spots.
On the other hand, Valencia failed again to secure points while hosting Athletic Bilbao. They were thumped 0-2. Raul Garcia, who played as a false nine, netted a brace. Such result brought them to the seventh of the table.
Possible tactic
Diego Martinez seems to opt for employing various formations from 5-4-1, 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-3. He mainly relies on Carlos Fernandez or the former Valencia and Tottenham front man, Roberto Soldado as the target man supported by Antonio Puertas and Darwin Machis. Unfortunately, several key men will be sidelined for this game including Maxime Gonalons, Antonio Martinez, Victor Diaz, Quini and Angel Montoro.
The caretaker Voro, on the other hand, might be modifying his predecessor 4-4-2 formation to 5-3-2 as it is more suitable for the team. The disappointing form of Maxi Gomez who missed a number of opportunities in the previous match, should be sidelined. Denis Cheryshev seems to be deserved to earn being in the starting IX alongside Rodrigo Moreno.
Players to watch
Granada’s top performers this season are the Venezuelan connections, the defensive midfielder Yangel Herrera with two goals and assists each, Darwin Machis with six goals and four assists, plus the twenty-three year old local talent, Carlos Fernandez who has netted seven goals and provided three assists. Some other notable ones to watch are the former Lyon man Maxime Gonalons and the former Valencia forward, Roberto Soldado.
The key figures of Los Ches who are expected to return to their good form here are the Spanish international Rodrigo Moreno, the youngster Ferran Torres with his four goals and assists each and AS Roma loanee Alessandro Florenzi.
Granada vs Valencia Prediction
The turmoil in Valencia after the dismissal of Albert Celades might be taken advantage by Diego Martinez’s men to seal another win at home. Roberto Soldado might have a mixed feeling facing off his former club but with Darwin Machis and Carlos Fernandez on his side, they should be able to secure a narrow win, unless Los Ches under Vorro could come up with a stunning system of play. The ideal result for both would be a draw.
Betting odds
According to the punters, this will be a tight match. Apparently, the visitor is the slight favourite. They are backed to win at 2.45, whereas the draw result is at 3.25. Granada is only projected to win at 2.95.
