Neighbourly duel in the cellar
Admittedly, an absolute classic in Spanish football is perhaps not the duel between Granada and Alaves. Nevertheless, this match could be very exciting. Both are neighbours in the table and want to distance themselves from their respective opponents.
In addition, both teams are rather at the bottom of the table, which makes a win even more important. Ahead of the Granada vs Alaves game, the odds are also only showing a relatively slight favouritism, with a Granada win more likely according to the bookies.
However, many factors have to be right for one team to come out on top in the end. The match at the Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes kicks off at 9pm on Friday evening.
Granada – Statistics & current form
Granada CF can’t be all that satisfied with their performance so far this season. At the same time, not much negative has happened yet. Twelve points from 14 games are not an ideal haul, however, and 16th place ensures that the relegation zone is within sight. So the senses are definitely sharpened and coach Robert Moreno has to win the important games with his team.
The match against Alaves, which is now on the agenda on Friday, is one such important game. Both teams are neighbours in the table and at least in the run-up to the Granada vs. Alaves match, the odds of the best bookmakers indicate a slight advantage for the hosts. However, there are no statistics that fully support this.
The home side have only managed one win both at home and away, but have fewer games under their belt at home. Granada’s form is not ideal either, with one point from their last three league games. However, a 7-0 win over CD Laguna in the Copa del Rey during the week may have revived motivation in the team; such an unchallenged victory has an impact on morale.
Granada score too few goals
An impact could also be felt on the offensive end. 14 goals from 14 games is anything but a very good rate. Four times Granada remained completely without a goal of their own, only three times managed more than one goal in a game. The offensive players, who were in action during the week, were able to get the frustration off their chest.
With a win against Alaves, Granada would pass their rivals in the table. That would calm the situation, because there is still one more game to play, but it is against top team Atletico. A win is not to be expected there.
The weak attack should not be underestimated and it is doubtful whether a game in the Spanish Cup will provide the big momentum. Therefore, in the run-up to the match between Granada and Alaves, our prediction is that less than 2.5 goals will be scored. This prediction is reinforced by the importance of the match. No team wants to take too many risks to have to chase a deficit with an offence that doesn’t score at a steady pace.
Predicted line-up of Granada:
Luis Maximiano – Victor Diaz, Duarte, Abram, Escudero – Gonalons, Milla, Puertas, Machis – Suarez, Rochina
Last matches played by Granada:
Copa del Rey
11/30 2021 – Laguna 0 – 7 Granada
11/26 2021 – Athletic Bilbao 2 – 2 Granada
11/21 2021 – Granada 1 – 4 Real Madrid
11/06 2021 – Espanyol 2 – 0 Granada
11/01 2021 – Levante 0 – 3 Granada
Alaves – Statistics & current form
Much that can be said about Granada also applies to the visitors from Deportivo Alaves. The season has been less than ideal so far and the team must try to get back on track quickly. Alaves are still two points ahead of their opponents, but with a defeat they could slip further down the table. And that must be prevented at all costs. The quality is there, at least in one or two parts of the team.
Alaves is even weaker than host Granada in terms of offensive statistics. Only eleven goals in 14 games are the second weakest in the entire league and this statistic is a good indicator of why very little is going right for the visitors. And they don’t even lack a goal scorer, they even have one in Joselu. He scored seven goals and is playing a strong season. The problem is the dependence on him.
Alaves were also challenged in the cup at Unami CP during the week, winning their game 3-0. The push should also be there, albeit smaller than that at the hosts. In any case, Alaves is still above the ominous line that marks the demarcation from the relegation zone.
Alaves fall away from home
One point to talk about is Deportivo Alaves’ away record. So far, the team has only managed to win one of their four matches this season away from home. The statistics also drop overall away from home, the points average is lower, the number of goals scored is also lower.
On top of that, the visitors have already failed to score six times. That is the negative figure in Spain’s top division. That is also the reason why our value tip before the match Granada vs. Alaves is that not both teams will score goals.
Predicted line-up of Alaves:
Pacheco – Aguirregabiria, Laguardia, Miazga, Saul Garcia – Loum, Pons, Manu Garcia, Rioja – Guidetti, Joselu
Last matches played by Alaves:
Copa del Rey
11/30 2021 – Unami CP 0 – 3 Deportivo Alaves
11/27 2021 – Deportivo Alaves 1 – 2 Celta Vigo
11/20 2021 – Sevilla 2 – 2 Deportivo Alaves
11/06 2021 – Deportivo Alaves 2 – 1 Levante
10/30 2021 – Barcelona 1 – 1 Deportivo Alaves
Granada – Alaves Direct Comparison / H2H Balance
So far, these two teams have faced each other in 16 direct duels. Alaves have won only five of these games, while Granada have seven victories. Four times there was no winner in the direct comparison. In the previous season, there were two home victories, in 2019/20 both duels went to Granada.
Granada – Alaves betting tips
Granada and Alaves are both in the lower midfield and both currently have their problems, especially on the offensive. So for the hosts as well as for the visitors, the route is clear. If things don’t go well offensively before such an important game, the first thing to do is to shore up the defence.
This is where the two are not dissimilar in terms of stats. Granada might feel a slight boost from their higher win in the cup and home advantage. Overall, however, our tip before the Granada vs. Alaves match is that less than 2.5 goals will be scored.
