Malaga vs Granada preview - Malaga eyeing home comforts

Posted Saturday, April 05, 2014 by PA

Malaga will be aiming for their first home win in two months against Granada on Sunday.

Bernd Schuster's side beat Real Betis away last weekend, with two goals inside the final 10 minutes from Juanmi and Sergi Darder, which left them five points clear of the relegation zone.

Malaga are the only team in the Primera Division to have taken more points on the road than at their La Rosaleda home.

Forward Juanmi knows that statistic must change if they are to avoid being sucked into a late scrap for survival.

"We have struggled a bit at home, we are aware that we need to win more. The points at home are vital if we want to achieve our objective, so it is about time we won at home," he said.

"We still haven't done anything, we will try to give the fans a victory because that is what they deserve."

Malaga's preparations have been hit by a hamstring injury to defender Sergio Sanchez while captain Duda is still suspended after a red card at Celta Vigo.

Granada, meanwhile, are also not yet safe, a point behind Malaga in 13th place.

Lucas Alcaraz's men went down 2-0 at home to Levante last time out, which was a second straight defeat, and the manager is expecting a response.

"This team always goes out to play the same way. The players are very clear that the aim is to win the game," he said.

"We will try and manage our options over the course of the game to see which players will be the most useful."

Liverpool loanee Tiago Ilori returns to the side after two months out through injury but midfielder Recio, on loan from Malaga, is unable to play due to the terms of his contract.