Granada have very positive team news with three important players returning and new signing of Litri ready to debut. Of all their transfers made, the quick left back is the only one certain to be a starter. Alcaraz has the best team available as Carcela, Agbo and Andreas Pereira all return to boost the XI. Another new signing Wakaso is the only unavailable player, still on international duty. Granada fans may be feeling marginally more optimistic as the squad looks a little healthier as a result of moves both in and out of the club in recent days. However, as has been a constant problem over recent seasons, a big number of newcomers and continual squad changes does lead to a disconnection and inconsistency in the performances. At home they will want to get a win from the game but they know that Las Palmas is a better quality team and the only way to win is to be extremely committed and effective at both ends of the pitch. Granada will want to score first and although set on a win, they are not going to take risks and probably look to keep it 0-0 and nick a goal. With this in mind, won’t open up unless they go behind.
Las Palmas travel to Granada with a very strong looking squad including their star new signing Jese, who should begin. Due to a knock sustained in training to Momo, then Halilovic could also make his start on the flank, this leaves an improved and exciting looking Las Palmas attack. David Garcia returns from a ban but Seiten leaves him out and sticks with Lemos at centre back. Las Palmas are considered full strength and after a fairly inconsistent last few months, there is every reason to be optimistic about the visitor’s chances here and moving forward. Jese is considered to be a hugely important signing, he adds the speed and power up front to take them from a being mid-table team into being one pushing the top six. The visitors will be positive about their chances of winning but as often the case with Las Palmas, if their attitude is not right then they can be prone to defensive errors and being out battled, and that is the only concern. Las Palmas are a much better, more connected and talented team who should be the more ambitious, if they score first expect it to be very open.
Verdict & Prediction
Granada are sitting rock bottom and with 8 points between them and safety, they need to win this kind of home game to give them a fighting chance of staying up. During the last month Granada have got rid of a sizeable part of the squad which was not being used and becoming frustrated, replacing it with fresh blood. And so perhaps there will be a slight sense of renewed optimism around, though the mood around the club is quite depressing. Las Palmas charged back to winning ways last weekend and the whole club is boosted by the midweek signing of Jese. This has instigated more belief around what the club can achieve this season and so the sensation is much more positive. Away from home there is not a tonne of pressure to win, but the club will want to get the three points and look to improve their away form, because doing that gives them a chance to be push for top six. A draw is not a terrible result. I recommend a bet on over 2.25 goals!
Prediction: Over 2.25 goals
Odds: 1.74 Pinnacle, 1.72 SBOBET
