Features
VIE 18.03.2016
Granada CF v Rayo Vallecano has all the hallmarks of being one of the top games across this weekend's Liga BBVA action. Not only are both sides playing for three precious points in their quest to beat the drop, but the outcome of the game could prove to be crucial in the final reckoning, in the event that things ultimately go down to head-to-head goal difference. Both teams currently sit on 27 points, as do Getafe CF, who occupy the final relegation spot. In the reverse fixture, Rayo ran out 2-1 winners at Vallecas and everything is set up nicely for what's sure to be a rip-roaring affair at the Nuevo Los Carmenes.
Where can Granada win the game?
Down the flanks
Many of the Andalusians' goals this season have come from wide areas, which in no small part is down to the pace and trickery of Isaac Success. This is an area in which the hosts will be looking to exploit a Rayo side who have been undone several times in recent games. Indeed, the last three goals conceded by Paco Jemez's side have all come from moves which started down the flanks. Conscious that his team were getting ripped apart in wide areas by SD Eibar in their last outing, Jemez shuffled his pack at the break.
Morale
The last matchday saw Granada move out of the relegation places for the first time in eight games, which will have given everyone in the camp a real boost ahead of their meeting with one of their direct rivals. In contrast, the Franjirrojos don't come into this one in the best of spirits after having failed to win any of their last six.
The El-Arabi effect
The Moroccan forward is getting back to his best and is currently enjoying a run which has seen him hit five goals in his last 10 outings, a scoring streak which betters his goals tally from the whole of last season by two. The importance of Youssef El-Arabi to his team is accentuated by the unavailability of the suspended David Barral. If we throw into the mix that Adalberto Peñaranda comes back into the fray after serving a one-game ban for having picked up five bookings, Granada look to have plenty of firepower in their ranks.
Where can Rayo win the game?
Aerial prowess
Rayo are the Liga BBVA's third-highest headed goalscorers, with Manucho and Jozabed proving a particular threat in the air having nodded home two goals apiece this term. Indeed, eight of Rayo's 39 goals since the start of the season have come from headers. Paco Jemez's side also boast two of the division's best dead-ball deliverers in Bebé and Adrian Embarba, who are both capable of whipping in inviting balls for the big men to attack.
The return of Jozabed & Hernandez
Paco Jemez will be able to call on two of this season's star performers, Jozabed and Pablo Hernandez. The Seville-born midfielder, who has nine goals and two assists to his name has missed the last four games through injury, as has Hernandez, who is one of the team's top assist-providers. Both could well make the starting line-up against Granada, which would provide the visitors with a massive boost.
Set piece specialists
Rayo are the league's second top goalscorers on set pieces, where only Real Madrid outperform them. The Madrid-based side will be looking to make the most of dead-ball situations, especially as it's an area that Granada struggle with. Both of the goals the Andalusians conceded against Real Betis came from set pieces, the first was from a corner and the second from a direct free-kick.
© LALIGA - 2016