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Kick off: Thursday, 14 January @19:00 GMT
Venue: Estadio Nuevo los Carmenes (Granada)
Live Stream: fuboTV (US), bet365 (non-US)
Head to head record
Valencia vs Granada 4-0 (2015/2016 Copa del Rey)
Valencia vs Granada 1-0 (2015/2016 La Liga)
Valencia vs Granada 4-0 (2014/2015 La Liga)
Granada vs Valencia 1-1 (2014/2015 La Liga)
Valencia vs Granada 2-1 (2013/2014 La Liga)
Granada vs Valencia prediction
Granada has a mountain to climb against Valencia in Copa del Rey last 16, return leg. Los Granadinos need to overcome a four-goal deficit in the tie against los Che and it remains to be seen if they are capable of making a miracle at Estadio Nuevo los Carmenes.
Little to play for
Granada are on the verge of suffering elimination in Copa del Rey last 16. El Grana suffered a heavy 4-0 loss to Valencia at Estadio de Mestalla in the first leg and, as a result, they face an uphill task in Thursday’s match at Estadio Nuevo los Carmenes. Anyhow, the team’s main goal is to secure yet another top flight survival, but considering that they are just two points clear of the relegation zone in La Liga standings their elite division status is definitely in danger. Coach Jose Ramon Sandoval saw his men slip to a 4-0 loss to Barcelona at the weekend, but the relegation-strugglers should not be looking for points in matches against the La Liga giants. Seeing that Granada have little to play for in Thursday’s Copa del Rey game against Valencia, there is every chance coach Sandoval will mix the squad.
Andres Fernandez and Cristiano Biraghi are both doubtful and the duo will be assessed on the match day, but coach Sandoval has no other selection worries ahead of the visit of Valencia.
Los Che got their job done at “Mestalla”
Valencia are not enjoying a season to remember. New coach Garry Neville has yet to record a league win with the Estadio de Mestalla outfit, but los Che did remarkably well to crush Granada in Copa del Rey last 16, first leg (4-0). Valencia are with one foot in the quarter-finals, but they cannot afford any complacency in the return leg. The visitors will certainly adopt a cautious approach in Thursday’s game at “Los Carmenes” and it remains to be seen if they are capable of stopping the run of three matches without a win on the road. Garry Neville is likely to rest some of his first-team regulars for Sunday’s La Liga game against Rayo Vallecano and there is every chance Alvaro Negredo will lead the attack for the visitors after coming as a substitute in a 2-0 loss to Real Sociedad at the weekend. The left-footed attacker scored a hat-trick in the first leg, meaning that the opposition defenders should have him at bay on Thursday.
Enzo Perez suffered a knee injury against Real Sociedad and he has joined the likes of Andre Gomes, Sofiane Feghouli, Diego Alves and Jose Gaya on the sidelines.
Quick Facts
- Granada conceded eight goals in previous two games
- El Grana are after their first ever win over Valencia
- Valencia are eyeing their fourth consecutive triumph over Granada
- Los Che recorded only one win in last six away matches
- Under 2.5 goals were scored in Valencia’s previous three away fixtures
Granada vs Valencia betting tip
Both Granada and Valencia aim to get back on course and Thursday’s game at Estadio Nuevo los Carmenes could be the turning point for one of the two teams. Los Granadinos, though, are fully focused on securing the La Liga survival and seeing that Valencia coach Garry Neville is under big pressure ahead of the Copa del Rey game, I believe that there is a certain value in betting on the visitors. Granada suit los Che and there is every chance the Estadio de Mestalla outfit will record their fourth consecutive win over the Andalusian team.
Tip: Valencia to win
Odds: 2.80 (9/5) @bet365
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