Preview: Granada vs. Omonia - prediction, team news, lineups

Granada play host to Omonia on Thursday evening aware that victory could be enough to secure their spot in the Europa League last 32.

Having recorded just one point from three matches in Group E, Omonia realistically require a win if they are to remain in contention to qualify for the knockout stages.

Match preview

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After the club's best-ever campaign during 2019-20, Diego Martinez has kept Granada ticking in the right direction during a hectic start to the campaign.

However, despite the club sitting in sixth position in La Liga and being well placed to progress in this competition, back-to-back defeats have provided somewhat of a reality check.

Granada had suffered just one defeat in 13 before their double setback against Real Sociedad and Real Valladolid, a run of results which should not be forgotten at this point.

Nevertheless, result-defining goals were conceded in quick succession during those games, and Martinez will naturally have concerns regarding the concentration levels of his players.

A game against lesser opponents comes at the right time for El Grana, but a third game without success would leave Martinez with more questions than answers ahead of Sunday's trip to Celta Vigo.

Omonia are making their first ever appearance at this stage of the competition and failure to win any of their opening three matches has not come as a surprise.

That said, the Cypriot outfit have performed above expectations, earning a point away at PAOK and only losing out to PSV Eindhoven courtesy of a last-gasp goal.

Henning Berg will be satisfied with his team's performance on the European stage, although Omonia have now gone seven matches without success in all competitions.

Last year's champions sit in fifth spot in the domestic table, seven points adrift of the leaders, and it has reached a stage where Berg requires an upturn in result to safeguard his role in the dugout.

Granada Europa League form: WDW Granada form (all competitions): WDDWLL

Omonia Europa League form: DLL Omonia form (all competitions): DLLLDL

Team News

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Martinez is expected to make changes to the team which lost out against Real Valladolid at the weekend.

Jesus Vallejo could return to the centre of the defence, while Yangel Herrera is in line for a recall in midfield.

Luis Suarez should get the nod in attack after getting on the scoresheet in the reverse fixture.

Omonia will be without Michal Duris, who is serving a one-match ban for his dismissal on matchday three.

Thiago Santos is likely to be brought into the attack in what may be the only change to the first XI.

Granada possible starting lineup: Silva; P.Sanchez, G.Sanchez, Vallejo, Neva; Gonalons, Herrera, Montoro; Machis, Suarez, Kenedy

Omonia possible starting lineup: Fabiano; Hubocan, Luftner, Lang, Lecjaks; Gomes, Gomez; Bautheac, Papoulis, Tzionis; Santos

We say: Granada 2-0 Omonia

Granada did a professional job in the reverse fixture, and we feel that they will produce a similar performance on Thursday evening. While Omonia have been far from overawed in their previous matches, pushing harder for maximum points will only play into the hands of their opponents.

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