Bosnia And Herzegovina
Burkina Faso
Czech Republic
Indonesia
South Korea

Preview: Granada vs. Real Betis - prediction, team news, lineups

sportsmole.co.uk, 11 September 2021, 09:00
Two teams with two points to show from their opening three La Liga matches will lock horns at Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes on Monday evening as Granada welcome Real Betis.

Granada, who occupy 17th spot in the table, suffered a 4-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano in their last game before the international break, while 14th-placed Betis lost 1-0 to Real Madrid.

Match preview

Granada opened their 2021-22 La Liga season with back-to-back draws against Villarreal and Valencia but entered the international break off the back of a 4-0 defeat at Rayo on August 29.

A total of two points from three matches has left the club in 17th position in the table, but there is certainly a chance that they could be in the relegation zone by the time that this game kicks off on Monday night.

The Reds have finished seventh and ninth in their two campaigns since returning to this level, and they will be expecting to push high up the division once again under the leadership of Robert Moreno, who is waiting for his first victory since being appointed head coach in June.

Granada will be desperate to bounce back from their heavy loss at Rayo, even more so considering that their next league contest after this one will see them travel to Camp Nou to face Barcelona.

Betis, meanwhile, enjoyed an impressive 2020-21 campaign, collecting 61 points from their 38 matches, which was enough to finish sixth, allowing them to qualify directly for the group stage of this season's Europa League.

Sixth represented the club's joint-best season at this level since 2004-05, and Manuel Pellegrini's side will open their Europa League group-stage campaign with a home game against Celtic on September 16.

Betis started their 2021-22 La Liga season with back-to-back draws against Mallorca and Cadiz before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid on August 28, with Dani Carvajal's effort proving to be the difference between the two teams in Seville.

Pellegrini will have to manage his squad in the coming weeks as European action begins, and a fascinating group will see the La Liga outfit also take on Bayer Leverkusen and Ferencvaros.

The Green and Whites recorded a 2-1 victory over Granada when the two teams last met in May, but Betis have not actually beaten Monday's opponents away from home in the league since April 2013.

Granada La Liga form:

Real Betis La Liga form:

Team News

Granada will again be without the services of Neyder Lozano through injury, but Darwin Machis could be in contention, having seemingly overcome a knock.

Head coach Moreno is expected to resist the temptation to make wholesale changes from the four-goal loss against Rayo, but there could be a start in the middle of the park for Monchu.

Carlos Bacca is expected to be joined by Luis Suarez and Antonio Puertas in the final third of the field, while Luis Milla should keep his midfield spot despite pressure from Yan Eteki.

As for Betis, Diego Lainez remains on the sidelines with an ankle problem, while Youssouf Sabaly and Willian Jose are doubts for Pellegrini's side.

Hector Bellerin, who has joined the club on loan from Arsenal, is in line to make his debut for the club, with the Spaniard expected to go into the starting XI at right-back.

Sergio Canales could be dropped into a deeper position against Granada, allowing Borja Iglesias to return in the final third of the field, with Andres Guardado potentially dropping down to the bench.

Granada possible starting lineup:

Escandell; Diaz, Duarte, Sanchez, Neva; Gonalons, Milla, Monchu; Suarez, Bacca, Puertas

Real Betis possible starting lineup:

Silva; Bellerin, Pezzella, Ruiz, Miranda; Rodriguez, Canales; Juanmi, Fekir, Ruibal; Iglesias

We say: Granada 1-1 Real Betis

There has only actually been one draw in the last five La Liga meetings between these two sides, but we are finding it difficult to separate them here. Betis are, arguably, the favourites, but Granada have a lot of quality in their side, and we have had to settle on a share of the spoils.

11 September 2021
talksport.com
The unique record Ronaldo could set if he plays and scores against Newcastle
Will Cristiano Ronaldo hit the ground running at Manchester United? Almost certainly.
11 September 2021
goal.com
Caf Champions League: It was a horror debut for AmaZulu vs Nyasa Big Bullets - McCarthy
The former Bafana Bafana striker admits his players failed to live up to the challenge as they suffered a first leg defeat at home
11 September 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Getafe vs. Elche - prediction, team news, lineups
Two teams hovering at the wrong end of the La Liga table will lock horns at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on Monday evening as Getafe welcome Elche.
11 September 2021
goal.com
Nigeria international Moffi scores, assists as Lorient beat Lille
The Super Eagle was in inspired form and would have easily grabbed a hat-trick for the hosts in the French top-tier assignment
11 September 2021
goal.com
Man Utd's Cavani explains meaning behind iconic behind bow & arrow celebration
The 34-year-old is marking his goals with a celebration of the past by firing an imaginary arrow into the air
11 September 2021
mirror.co.uk
Man Utd clear on Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes penalty situation
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has insisted there is no issue amongst his Manchester United players over who their designated penalty taker will be, as the final decision rests with him. The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo has raised the suggestion of whether Bruno Fernandes will step aside from spot kick duties to allow the five-time Ballon d'Or winner to take them ahead of him.
11 September 2021
goal.com
Awoniyi: It was difficult to grow up in Nigeria but I am grateful to my parents
The 24-year-old forward discusses his rise from the West African nation to Europe where he is currently scoring goals
11 September 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Rafael Benitez backing Salomon Rondon to provide competition to Everton forwards
Everton manager Rafael Benitez believes new signing Salomon Rondon can bring some much-needed competition to his forward line.
11 September 2021
mirror.co.uk
Cristiano Ronaldo's best and worst managers rated ahead of second Man Utd debut
Cristiano Ronaldo has had a long career in football and is starting a new chapter at Manchester United - a remarkable return to the club he made his name with. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be tempted to throw the 36-year-old straight into the thick of it today against Newcastle but may refrain - usually preferring to wean new players into his set-up.
11 September 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpool preparing for high-intensity challenge posed by Leeds - Jurgen Klopp
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has focused on preparing his side for the high-intensity challenge posed by Leeds as he gets ready for his first experience of a fan-filled Elland Road.
11 September 2021
talksport.com
Fergie sent off, Keane MOTM and Ronaldo on for Solskjaer in first Newcastle game
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make his second debut for Manchester United against Newcastle at Old Trafford on Saturday.
11 September 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Cristiano Ronaldo to break Premier League record on return
Cristiano Ronaldo will break the record for the longest gap between Premier League appearances when he makes his second Manchester United debut against Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon.
11 September 2021
mirror.co.uk
Man Utd's likely line-up for Newcastle with Cristiano Ronaldo in starting XI
Manchester United'sPremier League clash at home to Newcastle has been dominated by talk surrounding the remarkable return of five-time Ballon D'or winner Cristiano Ronaldo twelve years after he first left Old Trafford. The Portugal international has been training with his new team-mates this week for the first time since he sealed his comeback, leaving Italian giants Juventus after three years in Turin.
11 September 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Jurgen Klopp 'wanted to bring Patrick Bamford to Liverpool over summer'
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was reportedly interested in bringing Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford to Anfield during the summer transfer window.
11 September 2021
goal.com
'Life would be easier if we all had a bit of Koulibaly' - Napoli coach Spalletti
The Italian coach is pleased with the work ethic displayed by the Senegal captain after his international duty
11 September 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Alexandre Lacazette 'edging towards Arsenal exit'
Arsenal "tried in every possible way" to replace Alexandre Lacazette with Tammy Abraham during the summer transfer window, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
11 September 2021
talksport.com
Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira held talks over shock transfer to Tottenham
Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has recalled he once held talks over a potential shock transfer to Tottenham.
11 September 2021
bundesliga.com
Leipzig's Leitmotif: Dominik Szoboszlai, Mohamed Simakan and Jesse Marsch fill Marcel Sabitzer, Dayot Upamecano and Julian Nagelsmann-sized voids
Three protagonists of RB Leipzig's remarkable recent rise to German and European superpowers have recently flown the nest, but as they prepare to return with Bayern Munich this weekend, they will find their former side well-placed to cope without them at the Red Bull Arena.
11 September 2021
bundesliga.com
Hoffenheim vs. Mainz: probable line-ups, match stats and LIVE blog!
Chris Richards returned to Hoffenheim on transfer deadline day and is in line to start on Saturday to help Andrej Kramaric keep in-form Mainz in check on Saturday (kick-off: 3.30pm CEST).
11 September 2021
bundesliga.com
Freiburg vs. Cologne: probable line-ups, match stats and LIVE blog!
Anthony Modeste is looking to continue his hot-streak in front of goal for Cologne, against one of his favourite opponents, but Freiburg's unbeaten start to the campaign should make that difficult on Saturday (3.30pm CEST).
11 September 2021
bundesliga.com
Union Berlin vs. Augsburg: probable line-ups, match stats and LIVE blog!
Max Kruse and Taiwo Awoniyi are looking to continue their superb starts to the season for Union Berlin when they host winless Augsburg on Saturday (kick-off: 3.30pm CEST).
11 September 2021
bundesliga.com
Greuther Fürth vs. Wolfsburg: probable line-ups, match stats and LIVE blog!
League leaders Wolfsburg will look to striker Wout Weghorst as they try to extend their winning start at promoted Greuther Fürth on Saturday (kick-off: 3.30pm CEST).
11 September 2021
bundesliga.com
RB Leipzig vs. Bayern Munich: probable line-ups, match stats and LIVE blog!
Andre Silva and RB Leipzig host Robert Lewandowski and Bayern Munich on Saturday, in a meeting of last season's top two teams and goalscorers (kick-off: 6.30pm CEST).
11 September 2021
bundesliga.com
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Borussia Dortmund: probable line-ups, match stats and LIVE blog!
Patrik Schick and Erling Haaland go into Saturday's meeting between Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund in rich veins of goalscoring form (kick-off: 3.30pm CEST).
11 September 2021
mirror.co.uk
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer open to Donny van de Beek role after Man Utd star's plea
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has given Donny van de Beek reason to be positive over the future of his Manchester United career. It comes after the Red Devils coach admitted he was open to the midfielder's own proposition over his role at the club. For the Dutchman, his £40m move from Ajax was supposed to signal the next step in his blossoming career after a strong start in the Netherlands.
11 September 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea 'weighing up summer move for Matthijs de Ligt'
Chelsea have reportedly identified Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt as a potential signing during next summer's transfer window.
11 September 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Dani Olmo responds to Barcelona speculation amid transfer talk
Dani Olmo has insisted that he is ignoring the speculation surrounding a potential return to Barcelona, with the attacker fully focused on the season with RB Leipzig.
11 September 2021
talksport.com
Volley at Palace made Alli a household name, now Spurs star is a player reborn
Dele Alli, remember the name!
11 September 2021
mirror.co.uk
Man Utd Premier League squad confirmed with Anthony Martial included
Manchester United have confirmed their Premier League squad for the current season as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer eyes a title charge. Summer signings Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho all feature. The likes of Donny van de Beek, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard, who have all been heavily linked with moves away, are named in the squad.
11 September 2021
mirror.co.uk
Man Utd squad vs Newcastle confirmed as Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at Lowry Hotel
Cristiano Ronaldo has been pictured arriving at the Lowry Hotel alongside the rest of his Manchester United teammates as the Portuguese superstar gears up to make his second Old Trafford debut more than a decade after he first left. The former Real Madrid and Juventus man sealed a remarkable return to the club at the tail-end of the summer transfer window and is now preparing to don the famous red shirt with the number seven on the back once again, to play against Newcastle United - coincidentally, the side in which Ronaldo bagged his first United hat-trick against.
11 September 2021
goal.com
'Ronaldo Returns' - Which Premier League club has Cristiano Ronaldo scored the most goals against?
The Portuguese superstar is back in the Premier League after a gap of 12 years...
11 September 2021
mirror.co.uk
Unai Emery's Arsenal sack run compared with Mikel Arteta ahead of crucial clash
Mikel Arteta needs to get a win this weekend as his Arsenal side host Norwich. The Gunners sit at the foot of the Premier League table having lost their opening three Premier League games. They've failed to score in that time and shipped nine goals, although Norwich are only ahead of them on goal difference.
11 September 2021
goal.com
How many penalties must Cristiano Ronaldo score to top the charts in Premier League?
The former Chelsea midfielder is ahead of Ronaldo by quite some distance...
11 September 2021
mirror.co.uk
Joshua praises "brave" Man Utd star Ronaldo for "going against grain"
Anthony Joshua has praised Cristiano Ronaldo's "brave" decision to return to Manchester United ahead of his second debut. The Portugal international rejoined the Red Devils, 12 years after his departure to Real Madrid, in a whirlwind 48 hour period towards the end of the transfer window. At one point, it looked likely that the 36-year-old would sign for Manchester City.
11 September 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Saturday's Brasileiro predictions including Bragantino vs. Chapecoense
America Mineiro vs. Athletico PR (Saturday, 8.00pm) Athletico Paranaense will look to break a six-game league winless run on Saturday, when they make the trip to take on America Mineiro. The hosts have enjoyed an upturn in form after a poor start to the season, while their visitors have dropped to ninth spot in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A table following their difficult spell.
11 September 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Saturday's MLS predictions including New York Red Bulls vs. DC United
Colorado vs. LA Galaxy (Saturday, 8.30pm) Colorado Rapids have the Western Conference top spot in their sights and could climb to first place with victory against Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Robin Fraser's side are just one point behind league leaders Seattle Sounders with one game in hand, while LA Galaxy could also make a big stride towards catching the leading pack this weekend, currently sitting five points behind their hosts.
Show more

Top News

11 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Tranmere vs. Fleetwood (Tuesday, 7.45pm) Looking to turn their fortunes around, struggling Tranmere Rovers welcome Fleetwood Town for their rescheduled matchday 16 League Two fixture this Tuesday. 11 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Coventry vs. QPR (Tuesday, 7.45pm) Frank Lampard's Coventry City will hope to bounce back from FA Cup disappointment when they host Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday in the Championship at the Coventry Arena. 11 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Brest vs. PSG (Tuesday, 5.45pm) Frequent foes in the French top flight, Paris Saint-Germain and Brest swap Ligue 1 for the Champions League on Tuesday evening, colliding in the first leg of their playoff tie at the Stade Francis-Le Ble. 11 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has predicted the winner of the knockout round playoff tie with Manchester City will go on to win the Champions League. 11 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti have addressed the controversy from the 2024 Ballon d'Or awards ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash between their respective sides. 10 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has reportedly reached an agreement to join Brazilian side Flamengo in the summer. 10 February 2025 talksport.com Manchester City must axe Pep Guardiola if they fail to get past Real Madrid in the Champions League. 10 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Separated by five points in the middle of the Championship table, Swansea City and Sheffield Wednesday will square off in South Wales on Wednesday. 10 February 2025 talksport.com Abdoulaye Doucoure has criticised Frank Lampard's treatment of him during his time as Everton manager. 10 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde during the summer transfer window. 10 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal are reportedly growing in confidence that they will complete the signing of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer after last year's failed move. 10 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has reportedly attracted interest from Chelsea and Newcastle United ahead of the summer transfer window. 10 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk The pick of Tuesday's Champions League playoff first-leg matches undoubtedly comes from the Etihad, where 2022-23 winners Manchester City and current holders Real Madrid square off in a clash of the titans. 10 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United are reportedly prepared to let Casemiro leave on loan to Flamengo before the end of the month. 10 February 2025 talksport.com Stars of the FA Cup fourth round Plymouth Argyle have been rewarded for their stunning win over Liverpool by being drawn against Manchester City. 10 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Plymouth Argyle have been handed another mammoth task in the FA Cup fifth round having been drawn against Manchester City. 10 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Benfica travel to the Stade Louis II for the second time this season to face Monaco in the Champions League knockout round playoffs on Wednesday night. 10 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool go to Goodison Park for a Merseyside derby against Everton for the final time on Wednesday night in the 245th iteration of the fixture. 10 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City's "best chance" of quelling the "almighty threat" of Real Madrid in the Champions League could be to select almost the same defence that excelled during their treble-winning season, Citizens expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany has told Sports Mole. 10 February 2025 talksport.com Manchester City host Real Madrid this Tuesday night in the first leg of their Champions League play-off blockbuster. 10 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Abdukodir Khusanov performed well in Man City's FA Cup win over Leyton Orient and there were signs to suggest that he has the potential to develop into a "special player", Citizens expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany has told Sports Mole. 10 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers will ring the changes again when they welcome Bayern Munich to Glasgow in the Champions League on Wednesday. 10 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Bayern Munich could be largely unchanged from the team that beat Werder Bremen when they go to Celtic in the Champions League on Wednesday night. 10 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Celtic will play their first Champions League knockout match for 12 years when they welcome German giants Bayern Munich to Glasgow on Wednesday night. 10 February 2025 talksport.com Joao Felix has admitted he'd welcome the opportunity to stay at AC Milan despite being on loan from Chelsea. 10 February 2025 talksport.com A former Chelsea midfielder has returned to the UK in a new role over a decade after becoming a pastor in Canada. 10 February 2025 talksport.com While Harry Kane is well on course to win the first trophy of his career, he's already got numbers two and three on his mind. 10 February 2025 talksport.com A former Premier League star has quietly resigned from his latest managerial post after just 20 days. 10 February 2025 talksport.com Plymouth goalkeeper Conor Hazard hailed 'incredible' Pilgrims manager Miron Muslic after their FA Cup giant-killing of Liverpool. 10 February 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Joao Felix has revealed whether he would be willing to consider a permanent transfer from Chelsea to AC Milan during the summer.