Granada CF vs Girona prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2023-09-17 19:00.
It has been a chastening return to the top-flight for Granada, who have picked up fewer points than at the same stage of their last two relegation campaigns in 2021/22 and 2016/17. That’s not to mention their highest ever goals conceded tally at this stage of a top-flight campaign (G12), so the international break probably came at a good time for the survival hopefuls after their 5-3 defeat at Real Sociedad.
Eager to avoid becoming only the second Granada side to suffer immediate relegation from the top-flight and the first since 1966/67, a home return could be a positive thing as they’ve lost just once here across the previous 23 outings (W18, D4). Granted, that sole defeat did come in this season’s La Liga, but a 100% historical home winning record against Girona may serve to settle the nerves (W3).
That record may come under serious threat this time as Girona travel here on the back of an incredible four-game unbeaten start to their league season (W3, D1). That comes as even more of a surprise considering Girona were one of the league’s new boys themselves just last season and that campaign ended with a disastrous five-game winless run that now seems like ancient history.
Sitting above Barcelona after four rounds, Girona appear to be well on their way to securing a third straight top-flight season for the first time in club history. Such form has seen them chalked up as tepid favourites here, a tag they entered only two away games with last season (W1, L1). In any case, Girona have lost just once across their last six away games (W2, D3, L1) and with a pair of impressive wins over Sevilla therein, this form is no fluke.
Players to watch: Granada’s Bryan Zaragoza has taken the step up to the top-flight in his stride by scoring in five of his last seven league appearances between tiers, the last four of which came beyond half-time. Trying to outdo him will be Girona’s Yangel Herrera, who scored the opening goal in two of his side’s last three victories before jetting off for international duty with Venezuela.
Hot stat: Granada have won just one of their last 14 Monday-held La Liga games (W1, D6, L7)!