Granada vs Barcelona
La Liga
Sunday
8th October 2023
Estadio Los Carmenes
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the gameweek nine La Liga fixture between Granada and Barcelona.
Granada vs Barcelona: Preview
Granada form analysis
Graná began September in poor fashion, losing 3-5 at home to Real Sociedad despite goals from Bosch, Boye and Zaragoza. Problems persisted in a 2-4 home defeat to Girona as Granada’s defense collapsed again, despite Uzuni and Boye netting. Granada’s struggles continued with a dramatic 1-0 loss away at Las Palmas, undone by a last minute Rodriguez strike. They did stop the rot by earning a 1-1 draw away at Real Betis, with Boye equalizing after going behind. But defensive issues resurfaced in an entertaining 3-3 draw at home against Almeria, conceding three first half goals to Suarez.
Overall, Granada have struggled defensively, conceding 14 goals in their last 5 games. Scoring hasn’t been a major issue with the likes of Uzuni and Boye contributing goals. But they have been far too open at the back, incapable of keeping clean sheets. The manager must tighten up defensively and instill more discipline if Granada are to avoid a relegation battle. The draws with Betis and Almeria show their attacking potential. But sorting out their defensive problems is crucial after this error-strewn run.
Barcelona form analysis
Barca began September perfectly by winning 2-1 away at Osasuna despite going behind, sealed by goals from Kounde and a late Lewandowski penalty. They followed that up by hammering Real Betis 5-0 at home, inspired by Lewandowski and Felix braces in a ruthless attacking display. However, defensive issues surfaced in an entertaining 2-3 home win over Celta Vigo, requiring a late Lewandowski double to overturn a two goal deficit. Barca then drew an exciting 2-2 game away at Mallorca, twice pegged back by Muriqi and Prats strikes before Fermin equalized late on. Last time out though, Barca returned to winning ways by edging past Sevilla 1-0 courtesy of a Ramos own goal.
Overall, it’s been an encouraging spell for Barca under Xavi as they’ve showcased their attacking potential, with Lewandowski settling in excellently. But there have been some concerns defensively, highlighted in the collapse against Celta Vigo. Avoiding open games like that is key if Barca are to challenge for the title this term. But the wins over Osasuna, Betis and Sevilla demonstrated they can compete with and beat Spain’s best when focused.
