Preview: Granada vs. PSV Eindhoven - prediction, team news, lineups

Granada are set to host PSV Eindhoven in the Europa League on Thursday night, with the Spanish side currently sitting at the top of Group E, having won three out of their four group matches.

PSV, meanwhile, are four points behind them in second place, with the Dutch outfit managing to pick up two wins in the group stage so far.

Match preview

Granada remain unbeaten in their debut season of the competition, with their latest European fixture ending in a 2-1 win at home to Omonia.

During the game, Luis Suarez was the first player to get on the scoresheet for the hosts, before Alberto Soro scored the winner late in the second half.

Their defensive record in the Europa League has been particularly impressive, having conceded just two goals so far, with their expected goals against total the lowest of any team in the competition this term.

Domestically, Diego Martinez's men have endured a pretty mediocre start to the 2020-21 season, managing four wins in their opening 10 games - currently putting them in eighth place in the table.

However, in recent times, the Spanish club have struggled in La Liga - suffering defeats against the likes of Celta Vigo, Real Valladolid and Real Sociedad.

This means that Martinez will be hoping to put their league worries behind them come Thursday, with a win against upcoming opponents PSV securing them a place in the knockout stages of the Europa League.

PSV, on the other hand, will also be keen to pick up the three points in midweek as they sit just one point ahead of PAOK in Group E.

Their recent Europa League fixture ended in a dramatic 3-2 win against the Greek outfit, with Cody Gakpo, Noni Madueke and Donyell Malen all getting on the scoresheet.

In the Eredivisie, Roger Schmidt's men currently sit third, having gained seven victories in their first 10 league games.

In the reverse fixture, PSV would have undoubtedly been disappointed with the home loss against Granada, with the visitors able to come from behind to win 2-1.

It is also worth noting that the Dutch giants have never won against Spanish opposition, drawing five and losing a further 10 of their 15 games.

Granada Europa League form: WWDW Granada form (all competitions): LWLLWD

PSV Eindhoven Europa League form: WLWL PSV Eindhoven form (all competitions): WWDWLW

Team News

Granada have a few injury concerns heading into this match, with the likes of Kenedy, Victor Diaz and Neyder Lozano all expected to miss Thursday's clash.

Ramon Azeez is also doubtful, leaving Martinez with limited options as they plan for matchday five of the competition.

However, Suarez is expected to keep his place in the starting XI, with the striker netting in their previous league defeat against Celta Vigo.

PSV are also struggling with a number of injuries, with both Mohammed Ihattaren and Ryan Thomas set to miss the upcoming match.

Maximiliano Romero also remains doubtful as the forward continues to suffer with a knee problem.

Granada possible starting lineup: Silva; Vallejo, N Perez, Duarte, Neva; Gonalons; Soro, Milla, Herrera, Suarez; Soldado

PSV Eindhoven possible starting lineup: Mvogo; Dumfries, Teze, Boscagli, Max; Gotze, Sangare, Rosario, Gakpo; Zahavi, Malen

We say: Granada 2-1 PSV Eindhoven

This game is expected to be a tight encounter between the two sides, with both Granada and PSV likely to field strong teams. Although PSV have been in better form recently, Granada should have the slight edge over their opponents, having beaten them in the reverse fixture in Eindhoven.

Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 1.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.