Alaves and Granada, positioned towards the bottom of La Liga, clash on Friday evening at Mendizorrotza Stadium, with both teams seeking valuable points to improve their standings.
Alaves comes off a 2-1 defeat against Barcelona, where they initially took the lead through Samu Omorodion but eventually succumbed to two goals from Robert Lewandowski. On the other hand, Granada managed a 1-1 draw with Getafe in their previous match.
Match Preview
Alaves displayed promise against Barcelona, holding the lead briefly, but inconsistency in finishing remains a problem. With three wins, three draws, and seven losses this season, they sit 15th on the La Liga table.
Scoring has been a major challenge for Alaves, managing only 11 goals in 13 matches, one of the weakest offensive records in the league.
Granada, in 19th place, has struggled with just one win in 13 games. Their defensive frailty is evident, conceding 30 goals this season, second-worst in the league.
Granada earned promotion last season but has found it tough to adjust to the top flight. They’ve secured only one point away from home, highlighting their difficulties on the road.
Head-to-head, Granada performed well against Alaves in their Segunda Division meetings last season and dominated the clashes during the 2021-22 La Liga campaign.
Team News
Alaves will miss Abdel Abqar, Aleksandar Sedlar, and Giuliano Simeone due to injury, with Carlos Benavidez uncertain due to a muscular issue.
For Granada, Raul Torrente is sidelined with a muscular problem, and Bryan Zaragoza is suspended. Antonio Puertas and Victor Diaz could step in for the absentees.
Possible Lineups
Alaves:(5-4-1)
Sivera;
Gorosabel, Maras, Marin, Duarte, J Lopez;
Guridi, Blanco, Guevara, Rioja;
Omorodion
Granada:(4-4-2)
Ferreira;
Manafa, Miquel, Diaz, Neva;
Villar, Gumbau; Melendo, Puertas;
Uzuni, Boye
Prediction: Alaves 1-1 Granada
Given their previous draw and their current form, both teams might opt for a cautious approach to avoid a detrimental loss. Hence, a 1-1 draw seems probable in this encounter.