Granada CF vs Valencia preview - Aduriz eyes upturn in league fortunes

Veteran striker Aritz Aduriz has admitted that Valencia fear their recent drop in form could cost them a Champions League place.

Los Che sit third in the Primera Division table but have won just once in the league since the turn of the year.

It is a run that has not cost them dear yet, as they remain five points ahead of a chasing pack that is beginning to loom large behind them.

"There is a concern because things aren't going as we would like, but the worry is relative to what is justified and necessary," Aduriz said in a press conference ahead of this weekend's trip to lowly Granada.

"We are optimists and right now we are in a good position. We have had some setbacks that have cost us points, but we have to move forward.

"We have a week where we can put right our form in the league."

There is a good mood around the Mestalla this week, though, after striker Roberto Soldado made an impressive return to Spain duty after five years.

Soldado netted a second-half hat-trick in the 5-0 friendly win over Venezuela in Malaga.

"Roberto had a lot of fun," Aduriz said. "He was only on the field for half the game, but that was enough for him to score a hat-trick and win a penalty."

Valencia's bid to end a two-game losing run will be tested by a Granada side who have hit some home form of late.

El Grana have won their past two games at Los Carmenes, which has helped push them four points clear of the drop zone.

"After the last two games that the team has won at home we have regained our confidence and Los Carmenes has returned to being a fortress," midfielder Abel told AS.

"We are capable of winning by playing good football and the base of survival in the Primera is being strong at home.

"We don't fear anyone. Valencia are a great team and we know we have a strong opponent in front of us, but we also know that we can beat anyone."