La Liga Live: Everything You Need To Know About Granada v Malaga On Friday 8th April

Friday 8th April. 7:30PM. Live streaming available at Bet365

The La Liga season is really heating up at both ends of the table, and this week’s schedule begins with a Friday night showdown between two clubs that need victories for very different reasons indeed.

While Malaga are looking to give their slim hopes of Europa League qualification alive by piling the pressure on those above them, Granada are desperate to establish a gap between themselves and the bottom three.

It’s a crucial game for both camps, which should lead to a fascinating battle. You can watch the action unfold live with Bet365.

Another Draw For Nazaries?

After starting 2016 in terrible form, Jose Gonzalez’s hosts have enjoyed an improved run of results in recent weeks, losing just once in six matches. However, whilst that run has dragged them out of the relegation zone, they’d love to start registering a few more wins.

Granada’s last three Liga outings have ended in score draws, but they can be confident against an away side that has lost nearly twice as many as its won on the road. The goals of Isaac Success and Youssef El-Arabi should give the home side a great chance going forward, but they really do need to tighten up at the back.

Only Rayo Vallecano have shipped more than Granada’s 57 this term, and Andres Fernandez will need his defenders to be on form if the hosts are to clinch the vital three points. If they can grab the win, the hosts would extend the gap to four points and leapfrog Vallecano into 16th.

The hosts have the incentive and the confidence gained from their recent run of events. Expect a big performance at Los Carmenes.

Charles The Key For Malaga

It has been a turbulent campaign for Javi Garcia’s side, but they are starting to find their form at the right time and make the trip across the south coast having picked up eight points from the last possible 12.

Another win here would put them within five points of the Europa League spots, and that’s something that the visitors will be desperate to do. Sadly, goals have been a real problem for the hosts and they’ve hit just 30 all season. Given Granada’s poor backline, though, Los Boquerones may have a chance.

Experienced Brazilian striker Charles could be the key for Malaga. The 32-year-old has hit 10 goals this term. If Ignacio Camacho and Duje Cop can provide him with the service, there’s no reason that the visitors can’t take advantage of a poor home defence.

Either way, it should be a fascinating start to another mouth-watering weekend of action. Let’s look to win some money too.

Granada v Malaga Betting

Home advantage sees Granada established as the pre-match favourites for this one at odds of 5/4 with Bet365. Malaga shouldn’t be ruled out at 12/5, though, and the draw could tempt a fair few punters at odds of 21/10 too.

The reverse clash between these sides ended 2-2, and we think this will be another game of goals. Malaga aren’t exactly potent but the hosts can’t defend. With their recent record taken into account, they should score.

Similarly, Granada have every reason to be positive. With so much to play for, they should be gunning for goals too.

Granada man El Arabi hit two in the club’s last home game, and we’re backing the Moroccan to open the scoring again here.

Not only is he the in-form striker on the pitch, but he’s also the home side’s penalty taker. At odds of 5/1, we think he’s well worth a punt.