Granada’s ongoing struggle to climb out of the relegation zone in Spain’s premier division will persist on Saturday afternoon as they host Valencia at the Nuevo Estadio de Los Cármenes.
Presently occupying the 19th position in the La Liga standings, Granada finds themselves six points adrift from the safety of the 17th position. Conversely, Valencia sits in eighth place, trailing sixth-placed Real Sociedad by four points in the race for a European qualification spot.
Match preview
Granada enters their upcoming fixture with Valencia carrying a three-game unbeaten streak in La Liga, having recently shared points with Las Palmas, Barcelona, and Almeria. Despite this promising run, the team, currently occupying the 19th position in the league table, is in dire need of victories to improve their standing.
Under the management of Alexander Medina, Granada has managed two wins, eight draws, and 15 defeats from their 25 La Liga matches this season, accumulating a total of 14 points. The team sits six points clear of bottom-placed Almeria and six points adrift from 17th-placed Celta Vigo, emphasizing the significance of securing points to avoid relegation.
Granada’s home performances have been notably stronger, with 12 of their 14 points this season earned at Nuevo Estadio de Los Cármenes. Their ability to maintain this form on home turf will be pivotal in their quest for survival.
In their pursuit of a crucial victory, Granada aims to overcome Valencia, whom they haven’t defeated in La Liga since December 2020, suffering three losses in their last four encounters, including a 1-0 defeat in the previous meeting in November.
Meanwhile, Ruben Baraja’s Valencia side currently sits in eighth place in the La Liga table, with 10 wins, six draws, and nine defeats from their 25 matches, amassing a total of 36 points. Despite their respectable position, Valencia’s away form has been less impressive compared to their home performances, as they have collected only 12 points from 13 away games this season.
Valencia’s ambition for a strong finish is evident, aiming to surpass their 16th-place finish from the previous season. With a potential qualification spot for the Conference League playoff round within reach, a strong conclusion to the campaign could elevate their standing in the league.
Team News
Granada face a depleted squad for their upcoming La Liga clash against Valencia, with four players ruled out due to injury. Gonzalo Villar, Bruno Mendez, Jesus Vallejo, and Raul Fernandez will all be unavailable for selection.
Adding to their woes, Gerard Gumbau is suspended after picking up a yellow card against Almeria. However, Ignasi Miquel returns from his own suspension and is expected to slot back into the defense. Lucas Boye is also in contention for a starting spot in attack.
Valencia also have injury concerns, with Thierry Correia and Andre Almeida sidelined. Head coach Jose Bordalás faces a decision regarding goalkeeper Diego Lopez, who remains a doubt. If Lopez is unavailable, Bordalás may stick with the same lineup that started against Sevilla.
Fran Perez and Sergi Canos are likely to retain their positions on the wings, while Hugo Duro, with 10 La Liga goals this season, is expected to partner Roman Yaremchuk upfront.
Granada possible starting lineup:
Batalla; R Sanchez, Miquel, Rubio, Neva; Ruiz, Hongla, Melendo; Uzuni, Boye, Pellistri
Valencia possible starting lineup:
Mamardashvili; Foulquier, Diakhaby, Mosquera, Gaya; Perez, Pepelu, Guillamon, Canos; Yaremchuk, Duro