Preview: Granada vs. Real Valladolid - prediction, team news, lineups

Granada will be looking to return to winning ways in Spain's top flight when they continue their 2020-21 campaign at home to Real Valladolid on Sunday evening.

El Arana suffered a 2-0 defeat to Real Sociedad in their last game before the international break, but Valladolid will enter the match off the back of an important 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao.

Match preview

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There is no question that the two-goal defeat to Sociedad on November 8 was a setback for Granada, but Diego Martinez's side have still enjoyed an impressive start to the 2020-21 campaign.

Indeed, a total of 14 points from eight matches has left them in fifth spot in the table, only two points behind fourth-placed Real Madrid on the same number of matches.

El Grana have also been impressive in the Europa League this season, picking up seven points from their three group matches, including away victories over PSV Eindhoven and Omonia Nicosia.

Granada will be determined to return to winning ways in the league as they look to match or possibly better their excellent seventh-place finish from last season after returning to this level of football.

The Red and Whites have actually not lost to Valladolid in La Liga since November 2012 and recorded a 2-1 victory when they last locked horns back in February.

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Valladolid, meanwhile, have struggled for results during the 2020-21 campaign, collecting just six points from their nine matches to occupy 19th position in the table.

Sergio Gonzalez's side picked up a huge result just before the international break, though, as goals from Fabian Orellana and Maranhao helped them record a 2-1 victory over Athletic.

The win moved the White and Violets off the foot of the table, but they are currently on a poor run of form away from home, failing to triumph in their last eight fixtures on the road.

Valladolid actually finished 13th in La Liga last season, but it does appear that it could be a tough campaign for the club as they look to secure a third straight year at this level of football.

Granada La Liga form: LDWWDL Granada form (all competitions): WWDDWL

Real Valladolid La Liga form: LLDLLW

Team News

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Granada will again be without the services of Kenedy, Dimitri Foulquier, Victor Diaz, Quini and Neyder Lozano through injury, while Ramon Azeez remains a doubt due to a thigh problem.

Maxime Gonalons is available following a one-match suspension, though, while Antonio Puertas should also return from injury to boost Martinez's options.

Roberto Soldado and Darwin Machis are both expected to feature in the final third of the field, while there could be another start for Luis Suarez.

As for Valladolid, Saidy Janko, Javi Sanchez and Kiko Olivas remain unavailable for selection, but the visitors are otherwise in good shape heading into the contest.

Maranhao is again expected to join Sergi Guardiola in the final third of the field as part of a front two, while Oscar Plano and Orellana are likely to retain their positions in the wide areas.

Luis Perez is expected to replace Pablo Hervias at right-back, but there is a strong chance that it could otherwise be the same XI that took to the field for the clash with Athletic last time out.

Granada possible starting lineup: Rui Silva; Perez, Sanchez, Duarte, Neva; Gonalons, Milla, Montoro; Machis, Soldado, Suarez

Real Valladolid possible starting lineup: Masip; Perez, Joaquin, Bruno, Nacho; Orellana, Alcaraz, Fede, Plano; Guardiola, Maranhao

We say: Granada 2-0 Real Valladolid

Granada will be keen to return to winning ways in the league, and it is very difficult to look past the home side, particularly considering Valladolid's struggles on the road. Martinez's side could move into the top four with a positive result this weekend, and we fancy a routine victory for El Grana.

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