La Liga preview and odds: Athletic Club vs Granada
Published on: 29/03/2016
La Liga preview and odds: Athletic Club vs Granada
April 03, 2016 12:00pm - San Mames Barria
La Liga
Athletic Club de Bilbao are one of four teams currently competing for the final European places behind Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid. This weekend, they face a Granada side seeking to avoid a repeat of last season`s final day nerves, by pulling clear of the drop zone.
Athletic Club out of Euro spot
After a run of four straight league wins, Athletic Club fell to a disappointing 2-1 defeat away to Espanyol last time out. As a result, they slipped back to seventh in the table, and out of the European qualification places.
Ernsesto Valverde`s men have lost just one of the last 11 games on home soil (against Basque rivals Real Sociedad) and have scored seven goals in their last two matches at San Mames. However, they only managed to keep one clean sheet in their last six home games.
Granada going strong under Gonzalez
Since taking the bold decision to replace popular boss Jose Ramon Sandoval, following the defeat to Valencia back in February, Granada have shown some dramatic improvement. New Coach Jose Gonzalez has led the Andalucian side to two wins, two draws and just one defeat in his five games in charge. Prior to his arrival, they had lost eight of their previous 10 games.
In their last match, El Grana were held to a 2-2 draw at home by relegation rivals Rayo Vallecano. They may need at least a point this weekend if they are going to retain their position outside of the bottom three.
Team news
The home side will be without the injured trio of Iker Muniain, Inaki Williams and Ibai.
Meanwhile, Isaac Success is suspended for the visitors.
Recent form (League)
Athletic Club: LWWWW
Granada: DDLWW
Betting odds and tips
Athletic Club are strong at home but Granada have improved and could just sneak a draw.
The draw could be worth a small punt at 3/1 with Bet365.
By Neil Morris
Published on: 29/03/2016
Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (29/03/2016 18:17:42) but are subject to change.
Go To bet365
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