Granada vs Barcelona predictions, H2H and match preview for this Saturday evening’s game in La Liga. Read on for analysis and predicted line-ups as the new boys aim to upset the champions.
Granada vs Barcelona Preview
The late game in La Liga on Saturday is an intriguing one as a Granada side that has started the season very brightly takes on Barcelona who have struggled on the road so far. They’ve already dropped points away to one of the newly promoted teams and this trip to the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes is unlikely to be any easier.
The Catalans could at least name Leo Messi in their starting lineup for the first time this season. He came off the bench in Dortmund but is clearly going to be a bit short on match sharpness and is unlikely to get through 90 minutes here. Ernesto Valverde must decide whether to start with Messi or keep faith with 16 year old sensation Ansu Fati from the off in Granada.
Barcelona were again unconvincing away in the Champions League and were somewhat fortunate to leave with a point with Marc-Andre ter Stegen largely to thank for that. It’s not just in Europe where they struggle away from home either. They head into this game having failed to win any of their last 6 away matches in all competitions. That includes trips to Osasuna and Athletic Club in La Liga this season.
Granada meanwhile have been flying. They are La Liga’s third highest scorers after another road victory at Celta Vigo last time out. Their opponents were reduced to 9 men early in that game so ultimately it was a match they would have expected to win. Even so they have surprised many with the quality of their attacking play so far this term with wingers Darwin Machis and Antonio Puertas catching the eye while Yangel Herrera has excelled in midfield.
Granada vs Barcelona Predictions
Score Prediction: 2-2 Draw
Both sides have been involved in some high scoring contests already this season and we should see a few goals in this one. Jordi Alba is out for Barcelona and Granada may feel as though they can exploit that possible weakness with Junior Firpo set to come in. Barca have also really struggled to control games in midfield, certainly on the road, so this could be a lot more even than the most recent clashes between these sides and the hosts could well get a result.
Granada vs Barcelona H2H
- Last 6 competitive meetings: 6 Barcelona Wins.
- The sides last met in April 2017 with Barca winning 4-1 in Granada.
- They’ve won on 5 of their last 6 visits to this ground but did lose 1-0 here in 2014.
- Barcelona have scored 21 goals in their last 6 games against this opposition.
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Predicted Line Ups
Granada Team:
Silva – Neva, Sanchez, Duarte, Diaz – Herrera, Montoro – Puertas, Vico, Machis – Soldado (4-2-3-1)
Barcelona Team:
ter Stegen – Firpo, Pique, Lenglet, Semedo – de Jong, Busquets, Roberto – Griezmann, Suarez, Messi (4-3-3)
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