Granada vs Athletic Bilbao preview - Bilbao are best - Resino

Posted Wednesday, April 11, 2012 by PA

Granada manager Abel Resino has described Athletic Bilbao as, along with Barcelona, the most attractive side to watch in Spain.

Four points from their last two games have helped move Granada seven points clear of the relegation zone, but Resino also insists they have to keep picking up points if they are to survive due to the recent revival of Real Zaragoza.

He told Marca: "I don't know if Athletic are thinking about the league or not. They are far off the Champions League places and they already have a Europa League place assured (due to their participation in the Copa del Rey final), but along with Barcelona they are the side that displays the best football.

"We can't relax, the final seven games are the worst because all the teams squeeze together. Nobody thought Zaragoza would react the way they have and now they have the conviction that they can beat anyone, but I am optimistic because we are competing well in all our matches."

Injuries may force Resino into naming the same side that drew 0-0 with Mallorca at the weekend. Fran Rico is a doubt and Jaime Romero has been ruled out, but Franco Jara may get an opportunity to start on the right with Ikechukwu Uche moving into his more natural role through the middle.

Fernando Llorente, meanwhile, has welcomed the comparison with Barcelona and believes that has been manager Marcelo Bielsa's intention since he arrived at the club.

He told AS: "The arrival of Bielsa has given the team a certain quality. The great virtue of Bielsa is his workrate, he is crazy about working and dedicating time to improve things any time we do something badly.

"In the end he wants us to be a great team. He wants us to try and play like Barca."

Llorente scored the only goal as Athletic won for the first time in six games against Sevilla at the weekend and he should be fit to retain his place up front.

Javi Martinez also returns from suspension, but Ander Herrera may drop out as he continues to try to nurse a hip injury through to the end of the season.