Thread: Granada - Villarreal

After only two matches in La Liga and three overall, Villarreal is already looking at a must-win today on its visit to Granada. Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes should be filled to capacity as the home side looks to get off the foot of the La Liga table.

Villarreal will be without Ángel López (injury), Diego López (suspension), and Hernán Pérez (injury), while Gerard Bordas and Wakaso Mubarak have been omitted. Wonder if Wakaso's temperament has gotten him into trouble with manager Juan Carlos Garrido? I hope not, because the Ghanaian can provide a spark in any match.

The confirmed XI, per Allen:

Granada CF has lost its first two matches: at home to Real Betis and away to Málaga. The club is still searching for its first goal on its return to the top flight. But they have a reasonably potent strike force: Alex Geijo, Franco Jara (on loan from Benfica), and our very own Ikechukwu Uche (as of next year).

My prior take on Granada:

Granada CF: I find the Granada story a bit distasteful, but who am I to judge? A Segunda B side on the verge of bankruptcy is bought by Serie A side Udinese, who then loans a number of "surplus" players. Consecutive promotions later, Italy and the Pozzo family have a La Liga team. Voila!

The match begins at 12 noon Eastern Time. Endavant Villarreal!