Sevilla vs Granada CF preview - Garcia wary of Grenada threat

Posted Monday, October 31, 2011 by PA

Sevilla coach Marcelino Garcia Toral has warned his side not to underestimate Granada even though their Andalusian neighbours have struggled since winning promotion back to the top flight.

Granada make the trip to Seville rooted to the foot of the Primera Division table with just five points from their nine games and having scored only twice.

One of those goals earned Granada their only win, which was a creditable home victory over Villarreal in week three, but since then Fabri Gonzalez's men have only managed two points from a possible 18.

In contrast to Granada's struggles, Sevilla are flying high in fifth place and one of only three teams yet to be beaten in La Liga this season, which is no mean feat having already faced the likes of Barcelona, Valencia, Atletico Madrid, Villarreal and Malaga.

Nevertheless, Marcelino is taking nothing for granted.

He said: "Granada could have more points than they've got because they are making chances and they aren't having any luck.

"If we aren't at our best level they are going to make it difficult for us, because they have a good team structure and are dangerous on the counter-attack due to the speed of their forwards."

Marcelino, whose side needed a last-minute equaliser from Manu del Moral to salvage a 2-2 home draw with Racing Santander in midweek, welcomes back Frederic Kanoute and Fernando Navarro after suspension but Spain international Alvaro Negredo is out injured.

Granada's return to the Primera Division after a wait of 35 years has not gone so well up until now, and midfielder Abel Gomez admits there are some concerns.

"There's always worry. More than being bottom, look at the points we've got, there's only five of them," said Gomez, who came up through the youth ranks at Sevilla.

"We have to take advantage of the opportunities that we have. Except the game against Barcelona (1-0 loss on Wednesday), we are creating chances but we aren't having any luck in front of goal."

Regarding his Sevilla background, Gomez added in AS: "It's a very special game for me. I was there eight years, from 13 to 21, and it's clear that going to Sevilla will be something different. It touches my heart. I only have good memories."

Granada will be without Jaime Romero and Dani Benitez following their red cards against Barcelona, while Manuel Lucena, Carlos Martins and Hassan Yebda are all injured.