Granada vs Almeria Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips
- Match: Granada vs Almeria
- Tournament: LaLiga
- Date: Sunday, 18 February
- Kick-off Time: 3:15 PM (GMT)
- Stadium: Los Cármenes
Granada vs Almeria Match Preview
Last weekend in LaLiga saw the two best sides of the league clash as Real Madrid took on Girona. This weekend, the Spanish league will see an even more interesting battle at the bottom of the league as 19th-ranked Granada hosts 20th placed Almeria in a battle which would have major implications on the weak challenges of the two clubs to avoid relegation and keep their place in the league.
Granada returned to LaLiga this year after spending 22/23 in the second division of Spanish football. Despite strengthening their squad in the summer, the club has struggled to piece together good performances. The Nazaríes have managed to win only 2 of their 24 matches in LaLiga this season. Just as it seemed that they were improving as a squad, Bayern Munich came knocking at their door in the winter transfer window and loaned away wide midfielder Bryan Zaragoza. Bryan’s 6 goals and 2 assists in the league had been crucial in the club’s bid to avoid relegation. Now, it remains to be seen whether the club can cope without him.
Meanwhile, in the southeast of Spain, Almeria is in dire straits. After their promotion to the top tier in 22/23, everybody expected to see Almeria be a pushover and get relegated again. Yet, the club held their own and won an impressive 42 points to secure another season in La Liga. But things have been downhill from there for La Indálicos. The club has been unable to win a single game in La Liga this campaign and almost seems incapable of winning. While they did come close to a shock win against the big boys Real Madrid in January, controversial decisions that went in Real Madrid’s favor helped Los Blancos win the game 3-2 in the end.
Team News
Granada:
For all of Granada’s woes this season in front of goal, they shocked the world last weekend when they scored 3 goals against Barcelona and almost won the game. Thanks to Lamine Yamal, Barca managed to leave the tie with a 3-3 draw. The match against La Blaugrana will certainly help them in the upcoming battle against Almeria.
However, Granada will certainly be a side depleted of key players cum Sunday when they host Almeria. Captain Ignasi Miquel scored a fantastic header against his boyhood club Barcelona last weekend, but his yellow in the match means he will be suspended at home. Star forward Lucas Boye will also be a major miss for Granada’s attack, as he sustained a thigh injury last week.
Real Madrid loanee, Jesus Vallejo also had a hamstring strain in January and is ruled out till the end of February. However, the club will be looking forward to Facundo Pellistri, their recently acquired asset from Manchester United on loan, to explode. He scored an amazing goal against Barcelona last weekend.
Almeria:
La Indálicos can’t catch a break. Almeria survived a great challenge against Athletic Bilbao last weekend and managed to leave the game unscathed with 0-0 draw. However, the club was dealt a hard blow with injuries after the game and two suspensions for the upcoming tie.
Striker Leo Baptistao’s red card against Valencia on matchday 23 means he will not travel with the squad for the battle in Granada. Meanwhile, Largie Ramazani earned himself two yellow cards and an eventual red card against Bilbao rendering him unavailable for matchday-25. Striker Luis Suárez sustained a thigh injury back in January, and he is unlikely to return till the end of March. Center back César Montes has been crucial to Almeria’s defense, and his knee injury against Valencia makes his return for Granada highly doubtful.
Predicted Lineups
Granada Expected XI:
Augusto Batalla (GK), Ricard Sánchez, Miguel Rubio, Bruno Méndez, Carlos Neva (C), Martin Hongla, Facundo Pellistri, Óscar Melendo, Sergio Ruiz Alonso, Gerard Gumbau, Myrto Uzuni
Almeria Expected XI:
Luis Maximiano, Marc Pubill, Edgar González, Aleksandar Radovanović, Álex Centelles, Iddrisu Baba, Dion Lopy, Sergio Arribas, Lucas Robertone (C), Gonzalo Melero, Anthony Lozano
Head-to-Head-Record
Since the turn of the century, Granada and Almeria have faced each other 25 times. Almeria has overwhelmed Granada quite often in this fixture. Out of the 25 ties, Almeria has won 11 games, while Granada has won 4. Ten matches have ended in a draw.
Last Five Results:
- Almeria 3-3 Granada:- LaLiga – 1 October, 2023
- Almeria 1-0 Granada:- LaLiga – 5 August, 2023
- Almeria 2-3 Granada:- Club Friendlies – 30 July, 2022
- Granada 1-0 Almeria:- Club Friendlies – July 29, 2019
- Almeria 0-0 Granada:- LaLiga 2 – 17 March, 2019
Prediction
Granada and Almeria both showed resilience last week to come away with a point against Barcelona and Athletic Club respectively. However, Almeria will lack the benefit of being home like they were on Matchday 24 and might succumb to the hostile environment at Granada. Granada’s three goals against Barcelona displayed intent, and on the weekend they will look to dominate a meek Almeria. While the tie has historically gone in Almeria’s favor, this time Granada will like their chances of winning.
Predicted Score: Granada 2-1 Almeria
Betting Tips and Odds
Bookmakers have deemed Granada to be in a much better position to win.
- Granada win: 2.11
- Draw: 3.20
- Almeria win: 3.40
Odds Source: Oddspedia.com
Where to watch Granada vs Almeria
- India: JioCinema, Sport 18
- Spain: MovistarPlus+, DAZN, fuboTV
- USA: ESPN+
- UK: Viaplay
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