In an exciting Copa del Rey clash, Granada will aim to break their seven-game winless streak as they travel to Galicia to face Arosa. The hosts, a fifth-tier team, are hoping to cause a major upset in this first-round tie.
Match Preview
Arosa is set to compete in Spain’s premier cup competition for the first time since the 1993-94 season.
They secured their place in the tournament by finishing second in Group 1 of the Tercera Federacion, collecting an impressive 58 points from 30 matches.
Although Arosa had a slow start to the new campaign, they come into this cup tie with momentum, enjoying a four-game unbeaten run, including a recent 2-0 victory over Betanzos.
On the other hand, Granada, who earned promotion back to La Liga last season, has struggled to adapt to the top flight. With only one win in eleven league games, they find themselves in the relegation zone.
Granada’s recent form has been underwhelming, with just three points from their last eight matches and consecutive defeats against Osasuna and Villarreal.
However, they did show some fight in their most recent match, mounting a comeback before ultimately falling short.
With a leaky defense that has conceded 28 goals in 11 matches, Granada may view the midweek cup meeting as an opportunity to secure their first clean sheet of the season.
Team News:
Arosa midfielder Diego Enjamio might return to the starting lineup for the cup tie after being benched in the previous match.
Meanwhile, the central defensive partnership of Carlos Pacheco and Martin Sanchez is expected to provide protection for goalkeeper Manu Taboas.
Granada will be without Jesus Vallejo, Miguel Angel Rubio, and Raul Fernandez due to injury.
Gerard Gumbau and Lucas Boye, who missed the defeat to Villarreal due to suspension, are available but unlikely to start as the manager focuses on Sunday’s league clash with Valencia.
Both teams are expected to make changes to their lineups, with players like Adrian Lopez, Wilson Manafa, Victor Diaz, Njegos Petrovic, and Famara Diedhiou likely to feature.
Predicted Starting Lineups:
Arosa:
- Taboas;
- Pedreira, Cotilla, Pacheco, M. Sanchez;
- Mella, Concheiro, Enjamio, Martinez, Diz;
- Borjita
Granada:
- Lopez;
- Manafa, Diaz, Bosch, Neva;
- Callejon, Ruiz, Petrovic, Perea;
- Diedhiou, Weissman
Prediction:
Our prediction for the Arosa vs. Granada Copa del Rey clash is a 4-1 victory for Granada.
Despite their recent poor form, we believe Granada possesses enough quality to overcome Arosa and advance to the second round.