Granada vs Barcelona Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Inconsistency continues to plague Barcelona’s season. Since that remarkable comeback against PSG, they haven’t been great in their two matches in La Liga, losing to Deportivo La Coruna and needing to come from 2-1 down to beat 10 man Valencia. That suggests that there will be opportunities in this for the hosts but Barca’s extra class should ensure they win the game.

Granada are in deep trouble now, 7 points from safety with only 10 games to play. They are though a side that frequently stages dramatic late escapes to beat the drop, so we can’t completely rule them out just yet. Their recent home form is actually quite good, certainly considering their position in the league. Their last 10 home matches in all competitions have produced 5 wins and only 2 defeats so Barcelona can’t afford to take this game lightly. Given that and given both teams have scored in 64% of Granada’s league games this term, there ought to be at least a goal in this for the hosts.

However, defensively Granada are very weak and have conceded a worrying 2.07 goals per game in La Liga this term. They are a bit tighter at the back on home soil but not really strong enough to thwart a Barcelona side that average 2.89 goals per game in La Liga this season and 2.71 on their travels. The Catalans have won 64% of their away games and have accumulated more points on the road than any other side in the division.

Luis Enrique may be tempted to rotate with a busy schedule ahead and with players having returned from World Cup qualifying duty in South America. Leo Messi is suspended for them here, which should ensure that both Neymar and Luis Suarez are involved from the off and the onus will be on them to fire Barcelona to a much-needed victory.

Neymar has been in top form of late and perhaps hasn’t got the number of goals his football deserves. He should cause big problems for Granada’s defence in this one and will relish the extra responsibility with Messi out of the team, so backing Neymar to score anytime at 4/5 looks to offer value.

Even without Messi, Barcelona are much superior to a youthful Granada side and given both teams have scored in 64% of their away league games this term, backing Barcelona to Win & Both Teams to Score at 6/5 looks to offer value.