16 August 2021, 10:54 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
Spanish La Liga fixture, Villarreal C.F. vs. Granada C.F. kicks off at 19:00 (GMT+1) on Monday, August 16 at the Estadio de la Ceramica.
Preview Villarreal La Liga, Aug 16, 2021
Preview Upon finishing in 7th place last season, Villarreal will return behind the UEFA Super Cup defeat to Chelsea for their opening game of the season when they host Granada. The Yellow Submarine will aim to get their season off to a flying start on Match Day 1 as they look for maximum points. After picking up the UEFA Europa League last season, and subsequently qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, Unai Emery could be eyeing a top-four finish, - and perhaps a fine run to the late stages of Europe's most prestigious tournament. In preparation for the new season, Villarreal took on Leicester City in a pre-season club-friendly but lost, 3-2. They also picked up a 2-2 draw against the Premier League side, Leeds United on the 7th of August in another pre-season friendly. The Yellow Submarine strengthened their squad with the addition of Juan Foyth on a permanent deal from Spurs for €15M having spent last season with the club on loan. Boulaye Dia made the summer switch from Stade de Reims for €12M while Aissa Mandi put pen to paper after a free transfer from Real Betis. Unai Emery is known for the conventional 4--4--2 formation which could see Dia and Moreno foster their striking partnership on the opening game of the season against Granada. Nigerian international, right-winger, Samuel Chukwueze remains doubtful for this fixture due to a hamstring injury.
Preview Granada La Liga, Aug 16, 2021
Preview Having secured a mid-table finish for the second consecutive time in La Liga at the end of last season, Granada will aim to start their new season on a bright note. The new season saw ex-Monaco coach, Robert Moreno slip into the coaching seat after the departure of Diego Martinez. The Nasrids will like to pick up three points when the 43-year-old former manager of Spain makes his debut for the club in their first competitive game of the new season. Granada defeated Linense, 3-0 in a pre-season club friendly before defeating Malaga, 3-1 in another. Centre-forward, Carlos Bacca switched places and could be making his first appearance against his former club so soon having joined Granada from Villarreal on a free transfer. Luis Abram also made his way from the Argentine Division 1 team, Velez Sarsfield to become part of the squad. Robert Moreno could line up with a defensive 5--4--1 formation with the veteran striker, Jorge Molina leading the front line. On availability, centre-back, Neyder Lozano and left-back, Carlos Neva may be unavailable for selection due to varying forms of injuries.