Granada isn’t in the top 10 in La Liga. However, it’s one of two teams that hasn’t lost in its last six games. That and playing at home makes Granada a very tempting soccer betting underdog against Barcelona, especially at +375.
The thing is that Barcelona is also on the rise. In fact, a victory could boost los Azulgranas up to third place.
Granada vs Barcelona 2022 La Liga Fixture 20
Hosts Still on Track
Granada’s main objective is to qualify for a UEFA competition. They currently are seven points away from sixth place, the last to grant a ticket to the Europa League. Not bad, not bad at all.
They had a very rocky start, but they haven’t lost since mid-November. That six games unbeaten streak includes beating the reigning champions, Atletico Madrid. Most recently, Granada drew 0-0 to Elche. They should have won as they played with one more player in the second half.
Curiously enough, Granada has scored more goals than four teams that are better positioned. However, they still need to improve on defense. They allowed at least one goal in seven of their last eight games. They’ve improved, but not enough to have a positive goal-differential.
They’ve lost the same number of home and away games. Nevertheless, they’ve been a more productive soccer pick when playing at Los Carmenes thanks to a 4-2-3 record.
Keep an eye on Jorge Molina, the team’s top scorer with seven goals. When you’re 39 and you still are the team’s top scorer, that means you’ve done something right.
Granada’s predicted lineup: Luis Maximiano; Quini Marin, German Sanchez, Raul Torrente, Carlos Neva; Antonio Puertas, Luis Milla, Maxime Gonalons, Darwin Machis; Jorge Molina, Luis Suarez.
Barca’s Kinder Garden
I’m one of those people who believe that Xavi Hernandez should have received one of Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or. Hernandez was a beast on the field, and now he’s trying to replicate that as a head coach.
We all know that Barcelona hasn’t had the best season, but don’t underestimate them because they’re on the rise. Most recently, they defeated Linares 2-1, exactly like we predicted. Six of the starters are 22 or younger. Hernandez has done a great job leading a generational change. And let’s be honest, Barca really needed one.
Regarding La Liga, Barcelona’s situation isn’t that bad. They currently sit in fifth place, only two points behind Real Betis (third). Their 1-0 victory over Mallorca in the last fixture was a huge dose of motivation. A total of 17 players were out due to different situations.
The good news is that some of them, including Ousmane Dembele, Jordi Alba and Dani Alves, returned midweek. Others, like Memphis Depay, Gavi and Pedri, are expected to return this weekend.
With its roster healthy, Barcelona can be a real headache for any opponent. That’s why they deserve to control the Las Vegas odds at -135 despite facing a hot team on the road.
Barcelona’s predicted lineup: Marc-Andre ter Stegen; Dani Alves, Eric Garcia, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba; Frenkie de Jong, Ricard Puig, Nico Gonzalez; Ferran Jutgla, Memphis Depay, Pedri.
Granada vs Barcelona Head to Head
- Previous Matches: 53
- Granada Victories: 7 (50 goals)
- Barcelona Victories: 41 (140 goals)
- Draws: 5
Barcelona played host to Granada in September. Los Azulgranas suffered a lot to get a draw, but they did thanks to a late goal from Ronald Araujo. The visitors opened the can two minutes into the game on a goal by Domingos Duarte.
The last time they met at Los Carmenes, Barcelona won 4-0, but we’re talking about a very different team. In fact, both scorers already left.
Granada vs Barcelona Information
- Date: Saturday
- Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Los Carmenes, Granada
- Granada vs Barcelona Live Stream: fuboTV
Granada vs Barcelona Betting Lines
| Team | Handicap | Moneyline | Over/Under | Team Total |
| Granada | +½ +115 | +375 | 2½ -125o | ½ -210o/+165u |
| Barcelona | -½ -135 | -135 | 2½ +105u | 1½ -130o/Evu |
| Draw | +280 |
Granada vs Barcelona Prediction
A few weeks ago, this match wouldn’t have been particularly attractive. Now, it has the potential to be the Game of the Week. Granada is on a roll while Barcelona is getting its old confidence back.
I expect a back-and-forth battle with plenty of goals since both sides average more than one goal per game. That’s why my betting online advice is to go with the draw.
Score Prediction: Granada 2, Barcelona 2
