Granada CF vs Almeria preview - Rodriguez sweats over key men

Posted Saturday, May 10, 2014 by PA

Almeria coach Francisco Javier Rodriguez has got his players working overtime to be fit for Sunday's crucial trip to Granada.

Aleix Vidal, Verza, Helder Barbosa and Mane each received physiotherapy during the team's day off on Tuesday in a bid to be available for the match, which is crucial to both team's hopes of survival, as they are separated in the table by just two points.

Although they are coming off the back of two straight wins, Almeria are in the greatest peril, outside of the bottom three only by virtue of a better record against fellow strugglers Getafe.

Such is the congested nature of the standings, however, another win this weekend could see the Andalusians climb to 15th.

One player who will definitely play no part in the game is midfielder Suso, who was sent off in the 3-2 win at Real Betis last time out. However, Angel Trujillo and Sebastian Dubarbier both return to the side after completing their respective bans.

Granada claimed a creditable last-gasp 1-1 draw at Real Sociedad last time out to keep themselves just ahead of the danger line.

Odion Ighalo's goal secured a point for his side in Monday's encounter, although the striker admitted his late intervention had more than a little good fortune about it.

"I didn't strike the ball well, but I was lucky, like I always am, thanks to God," he said.

"I haven't been scoring very many goals for a striker, but when the decisive moment arrives, I get that bit of luck."

Despite a difficult season in which he has only scored twice, the Nigerian insisted he was happy at Granada.

"I feel like a Granada player," he said. "I have been here for five years, the fans support me in the good times and the bad, and I will never forget that. That's why I will keep fighting until the last moment I am at this club."