Las Palmas is aiming to return to winning form in Spain’s top league as they face Granada at Nuevo Estadio de Los Carmenes on Saturday afternoon.
Las Palmas lost 2-1 to Real Madrid in their previous match, while Granada suffered a 2-0 defeat against Getafe.
Match preview
Granada is currently in a relegation battle, having only earned 11 points from their first 22 matches this season. They are currently in 19th position in the table.
The team is six points away from the safety of 17th position, which is not a disastrous situation at this stage.
However, they have been struggling with form, losing their last three matches against Real Betis, Atletico Madrid, and Getafe. They have failed to score in these matches.
Granada has only earned 10 points from their 11 home league games this season. Their defense has also been weak, conceding 44 goals in 22 games, making it the third-worst defensive record in the league.
During the January transfer window, Granada made seven signings, including a loan deal for Manchester United’s Facundo Pellistri.
In their previous encounter during the 2016-17 La Liga campaign, Granada defeated Las Palmas 1-0. However, Las Palmas won 1-0 in their earlier meeting this season.
Las Palmas is coming off a 2-1 home defeat against Real Madrid. Despite this loss, they are in a respectable ninth position in the table with 31 points from 22 matches.
Las Palmas is only five points behind sixth-placed Real Sociedad, and a European finish is still within reach. This would be a remarkable achievement in their first season back at this level of football.
During the 2023-24 campaign, Las Palmas has earned 13 points from their 11 away league matches.
They have the second-best defensive record in the league, conceding only 19 goals. Their success has been built on a strong defense, although they have only scored 22 goals in 22 games.
Las Palmas has not made any signings during the January transfer window, and there have been no departures aside from Jonathan Viera.
Granada La Liga form:
L L W L L L
Las Palmas La Liga form:
D L L W W L
Las Palmas form (all competitions):
L L L W W L
Team News
Granada will be without goalkeeper Raul Fernandez due to a muscular problem. However, Lucas Boye and Martin Hongla will be available after serving suspensions. Jesus Vallejo and Victor Diaz might also overcome fitness concerns to feature.
Facundo Pellistri is expected to make his debut for Granada after his move from Manchester United. However, he is likely to start on the bench. Bryan Zaragoza has moved to Bayern Munich, but his departure was earlier than planned.
For Las Palmas, Benito Ramirez is out of the contest due to a tendon problem. Julian Araujo and Javi Munoz are unavailable due to suspension.
Enzo Loiodice is expected to fill in for Munoz in midfield. The rest of the team is likely to remain the same as their previous match against Real Madrid.
Sandro Ramirez will continue as the central forward, supported by Alberto Moleiro and Munir El Haddadi on the wings. Kirian Rodriguez will play in central midfield.
Granada possible starting lineup:
Batalla;
R Sanchez, Mendez, Miquel, Neva;
Hongla, Ruiz, Villar;
Uzuni, Boye, Arezo
Las Palmas possible starting lineup:
Valles;
Park, Suarez, Marmol, S Cardona;
El Haddadi, Loiodice, Perrone, K Rodriguez, Moleiro;
Sandro
Prediction: Granada 1-1 Las Palmas
This fixture has not seen many draws in the past, with their last one occurring in the Segunda Division in March 2019.
Las Palmas is having a strong season, but Granada has the ability to challenge any team in the league. A draw seems likely in this match.