Granada CF vs Valencia preview - Subduing Soldado is key - Siqueira

Posted Saturday, January 05, 2013 by PA

Granada defender Guilherme Siqueira believes stopping Valencia's supply to Roberto Soldado from out wide will be the key if his side are to claim a second consecutive victory this weekend.

The Andalusians climbed out of the bottom three with their first win in six against Osasuna just before the Christmas break and the Brazilian can sense the morale boost those three points have given everyone around the club.

He told Marca: "The squad are rested, content and motivated. The last result was very positive and this has helped. We have very good sensations heading into the game against Valencia.

"They are a very quick team with wingers that always look for the forward (Soldado), who we know is one of the best in the Primera. We need to try and close them down, be quicker than them and not let them think."

Youssef El-Arabi and Darwin Machis are away at the African Nations Cup and South American Under-20 championships respectively so Odion Ighalo is the only forward available to Juan Antonio Anquela.

First-choice goalkeeper Tono is also not expected to have recovered from a toe injury in time to take his place so Roberto will continue to deputise in goal.

Soldado, meanwhile, is hoping the turn of the year can prove a turning point in Valencia's season as they look to make up ground on the top four in the league whilst also continuing their progress in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.

He told Marca: "The match against Granada is fundamental for us to try and obtain another victory away from home. The team is continuing with the confidence we are training with during the week and hopefully on Saturday we can do as best we can.

"It will be a nice month, with many games. The players want to compete and this month will be very intense. Above all, we will play to win in every game and achieve the results we are hoping for."

Sofiane Feghouli has also flown off to take part in Algeria's preparations for the Nations Cup and Fernando Gago remains a doubt with a muscular problem.