Granada vs Real Madrid
Spain – LaLiga
Date: Monday, 13 July 2020
Kick-off at 21:00 UK/ 22:00 CET
Venue: Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes (Granada).
Granada guaranteed a return to La Liga for the season courtesy when finishing second in the Segunda Division last season and for consolidation at this level is always going to be the number one target them.
El Grana has not finished higher than 15th in the Spanish top flight since the 1973-1974 campaign but is now in the mix for a top-six place, which would be some achievement for a newly promoted side.
As it stands, Diego Martinez's side are ninth in the table, just three points behind sixth-placed Getafe as they bid to sneak into the Europa League positions.
Granada is actually struggling for form immediately after the lockdown, but they have taken seven points from their last three games and recorded an impressive 3-2 victory at Real Sociedad on Friday.
Madrid, meanwhile, made eight straight league wins with a 2-0 success over Alaves on Friday, with Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio on the scoresheet for Zinedine Zidane's side.
Capital giants are now four points clear of second-placed Barcelona, who will be looking to keep in touch when they face Real Valladolid on Saturday night.
Should the defending champion lost against Valladolid then Madrid can win the title by beating Granada, but it would be a surprise if the title race is not still alive entering the final two games of the season.
Regardless of what Barca managed to do in their last three games, two wins would be enough to wrestle the title away Zidane side of the Catalan giants, which would be some achievement.
Madrid has been in wonderful form since returning to action last month, won all eight of their league games, including each of their last three on their travels.
Team News
Granada
Diego Martinez Granada manager is losing the services of a number of the main first team players including Maxime Gonalons, Quini and Alex Martinez. Neyder Lozano also injured while both Alvaro Vadillo and Jesus Vallejo doubt heading into this game.
Martinez often prefer four backline but has recently embraced the three settings, which means people like Domingos Duarte and Victor Diaz should retain their places in the back line. The potential for Vallejo, however, could pave the way for German Sanchez to return to the starting lineup.
Dimitri Foulquier and Carlos Neva is set to operate as wing-backs, although in fairness, they are more likely to provide defensive cover for the central defender. The same can be said for Yangel Herrera in the role of number six, despite midfield pairing Ramon Azeez could feature in a more advanced role.
Attacks Granada, meanwhile, planned to be spearheaded by veteran striker Roberto Soldado, who can receive the creative support of wide attacking duo of Antonio Puerta and the club's top scorer, Carlos Fernandez.
Possible Lineup (5-2-3): Silva; Foulquier, Diaz, Sanchez, Duarte, Neva; Herrera, Azeez; Fernandez, Soldado, Puertas
Real Madrid
Heading into this game, Zinedine Zidane will be boosted by the return of two experienced defenders Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal. Marcelo, however, is set to miss the league games remaining, so make guaranteed starter Mendy Ferland left back.
The Carvajal, he was more than expected to replace Lucas Vazquez at right-back while Eder Militao may have to make way for Ramos back. Veteran central defender Raphael Varane to be partnering with Real Madrid in the heart of the back four.
In midfield, Zidane might prefer the dynamic nature of Federico Valverde over Luka Modric, especially against Granada's side. Therefore, we expect young Uruguay to form a three Real Madrid midfield alongside Casemiro and Toni Kroos.
Key changes in the attack could come in the form of Eden Hazard replaced Marco Asensio on the right wing, with Rodrygo retain his place on the opposite side.
Karim Benzema, meanwhile, seems to have recovered from the knock he received in the last game. He is, therefore, expected to lead the front line of Real Madrid.
Possible Lineup (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Mendy; Kroos, Casemiro, Valverde; Hazard, Benzema, Rodrygo
Match Facts
Real Madrid have won their last nine matches in all competitions against Granada.
Real Madrid have scored at least four goals in their last 3 games against Granada in all competitions.
Real Madrid have won their last 8 games (LaLiga).
Real Madrid have kept a clean sheet in their last 5 games (LaLiga).
Real Madrid have won at both half time and full time in their last four away games in all competitions against Granada.
There has been under 2.5 goals in the last 5 games Real Madrid (LaLiga).
Granada has seen more than 2.5 goals in 6 of their last 7 games against Real Madrid in all competitions.
Granada has scored at least two goals in their last 3 games (LaLiga).
Real Madrid have won by a margin of one goal in their last three away games (LaLiga).
Granada vs Real Madrid Prediction
Granada take some points in their last game in the campaign, mostly against teams below them in the league table or closer to them.
Real Madrid will come in the heat with the overall winning streak that has been relevant since the league started back this season.
The Nazaries had little luck in using their ground advantage as their latest clash at home to say instead that the hosts are struggling on their own turf.
Los Blancos have been very good in their last away game. Even with a narrow victory, Ramos and Co. have been keeping alive their lead in the table.
With such a strong squad including full bench option, Zidane will be comfortable in the clash and the home team had to work against the odds trouble the leaders of the table.
Victory themselves full-time with 1.44 odds would probably be the best bet in the game. With the same chance, tip for under 3.5 goals for the latest visitors will also be a great choice for passengers.
Granada vs Real Madrid Betting tips
Real Madrid to win @ 1.44 (4/9).
Under 3.5 goals @ 1.44 (4/9).
