International Football News, National Soccer Teams, Previews International football in bite-size pieces
Related Articles
Kick off: Saturday, 9 January @15:00 GMT
Venue: Camp Nou (Barcelona)
Live Stream: fuboTV (US), bet365 (non-us)
Head to head record
Granada vs Barcelona 1-3 (2014/2015 La Liga)
Barcelona vs Granada 6-0 (2014/2015 La Liga)
Granada vs Barcelona 1-0 (2013/2014 La Liga)
Barcelona vs Granada 4-0 (2013/2014 La Liga)
Granada vs Barcelona 1-2 (2012/2013 La Liga)
Barcelona vs Granada prediction
Buoyed by a 4-1 win over their local rivals Espanyol in Copa del Rey in midweek, Barcelona will be looking to start a new winning run in La Liga when they take on Granada, who managed to beat Sevilla in their last league match.
Barca scoring goals for fun at Camp Nou
Barcelona failed to beat Espanyol at Power8 Stadium at the weekend, but they did well to outclass los Periquitos in Wednesday’s Catalan derby in Copa del Rey. Leo Messi impressed in the 4-1 win over Espanyol and the Argentine magician is on the right track to find his best form. The Catalan giants have been scoring goals for fun at home ground this season, but they need to keep on improving their game if they are to defend the domestic trophy. Barca are one point behind league leaders Atletico Madrid ahead of the visit of Granada, but it has to be noted that Luis Enrique’s men have one game in hand. The Catalan outfit should not blow their chance to move ahead of los Rojiblancos and there is every chance the hosts will go all guns blazing at Granada on Saturday. Neymar is enjoying a season to remember and the Brazilian forward is likely to pose a big threat for the opposition back line.
Both Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal made their Barcelona debuts against Espanyol and the duo is pushing for a start. Midfielder Rafinha Alcantara has yet to overcome his injury, but he is the only absentee in the home team.
Morale-boosting win over Sevilla, but…
Following back-to-back defeats to the likes of Celta Vigo and Las Palmas Sevilla returned to winning ways in La Liga at the weekend. Los Granadinos emerged triumphant in the Andalusian derby against Sevilla and thanks to the triumph the team escaped the relegation zone. However, Granada’s celebration did not last long as they were demolished by Valencia (0-4) at Estadio de Mestalla in Wednesday’s Copa del Rey clash. Jose Ramon Sandoval’s men experienced all sorts of problems at the back in the defeat to los Che and everybody expect that they will suffer a heavy loss in Saturday’s game at Camp Nou. Granada are not regarded as good travelers and I do not believe that they are capable of making a miracle in Catalonia. Nigerian attacker Isaac Success found the net in the 2-1 win over Sevilla and he will be the man to watch in the away side.
Coach Sandoval mixed the squad in the Copa del Rey game, but he is likely to field the best possible side against Barcelona. Rober Ibanez and Salva Ruiz were ineligible to face Valencia, but they return to contention. The Spanish tactician has a full squad to choose from.
Quick Facts
- Barcelona scored 22 goals in previous five games at Camp Nou
- Leo Messi found the net in each of Barca’s previous three home matches
- Luis Enrique’s men suffered their last defeat at home back in February (Malaga)
- Granada have recorded one win in last eight away games
- Los Granadinos are after their first ever win at Camp Nou
Barcelona vs Granada betting tip
Barcelona are determined to defend their La Liga trophy and seeing that they are two points behind league leaders Atletico Madrid in the standings, I am positive that Luis Enrique is going to field the best possible side against Granada. Barca coach Luis Enrique now has two fresh bodies at their disposal and I am positive and there is every chance Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal will help the team improve their game. Granada often struggle on the travels and, taking everything into account, Barcelona are likely to crush the Andalusian outfit.
Tip: Over 3.5 goals
Odds: 1.47 (5/11) @Unibet
If you are looking for a reputable website to place your sports betting wagers at, why not check out our selection of top online bookmakers, featuring bonus info, reviews, important details and more.
[table “2” not found /]
