Third-tier side Navalcarnero will be eyeing another upset in the Copa del Rey when they take on La Liga outfit Granada in Thursday's last-16 battle.

The hosts overcame Eibar 3-1 last time out to reach the fourth round, whereas Granada scraped past Malaga 2-1 in their most recent cup outing.

Match preview

Granada manager Diego Martinez pictured on January 9, 2021 © Reuters

Navalcarnero are one of only two third-tier sides left in the Copa del Rey, with fellow Segunda Division B outfit Alcoyano facing off against Super Cup winners Athletic Bilbao for a spot in the quarter-finals.

Rookie manager Luis Ayllon has witnessed his team produce a trio of solid performances to reach the round of 16, which already represents their best-ever finish in the competition following their first-round exit in the 2018-19 campaign.

Navalcarnero eked out 1-0 wins over Badajoz and Las Palmas in their first two Copa del Rey matches, and the third-tier side were simply too good for a struggling Eibar outfit as they won 3-1 in round three, with Juan Esnaider taking his cup tally to three goals from three matches with a brace in that one.

However, Ayllon's men have only managed to take one point from the last six on offer in the league since that win, with a 3-1 defeat to Las Rozas on Sunday ending their seven-game unbeaten run across all competitions.

Navalcarnero still occupy a spot in the top three of the table, but having failed to win any of their last seven league matches, Ayllon will no doubt want to focus on getting his side's promotion charge back on track as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, Granada's Copa del Rey successes have also come at the expense of their league form, with Diego Martinez's men winning just one of their last five top-flight matches.

Granada were put to the sword by 10-man Osasuna 3-1 at the weekend, although they are still very much in the mix for another stint in Europe as they lie seventh in the table - three points adrift of sixth-placed Real Sociedad.

Martinez's men did not have it all their own way against Malaga, but they eventually got the job done thanks to goals from Fede Vico and Jorge Molina in the last-32 stage.

Granada have only managed to advance past the round of 16 once since 2001, although that was their stellar run last season where they were knocked out by Athletic in the semi-finals.

Thursday's game represents the inaugural meeting between Navalcarnero and Granada, and despite the visitors' inconsistent form, Ayllon's side are fighting a steep uphill battle to dump another top-flight side out of the tournament.

Navalcarnero Copa del Rey form: WWW
Navalcarnero form (all competitions): DWWWDL

Granada Copa del Rey form: WWW
Granada form (all competitions): WLWWDL

Team News

Granada players celebrate scoring against Athletic Bilbao on September 12, 2020 © Reuters

Navalcarnero are set to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation against the La Liga outfit, with Esnaider - son of former Argentina international and namesake Juan Esnaider - leading the line.

The hosts have very few injury concerns for this game, but Ayllon may be tempted to rotate with a must-win league fixture against Getafe II to come.

Granada will welcome Yangel Herrera back from suspension for this tie, while Yan Eteki is banned in the league but will be able to play on Thursday.

Martinez is expected to shuffle the pack before his team take on a refreshed Celta Vigo side at the weekend, so Eteki could be one of a number of alterations alongside Vico, Molina, Antonio Puertas and Pepe Sanchez.

Maxime Gonalons remains out injured for Granada, but there is optimism that he could be back in time for the return of the Europa League next month.

Navalcarnero possible starting lineup:
Diaz; Calarge, Jaimez, Cavafe, Alex Alonso; Alberto Alonso, Garcia; Blazquez, Rodriguez, Del Moral; Esnaider

Granada possible starting lineup:
Escandell; Sanchez, Perez, Duarte, Neva; Eteki, Herrera; Puertas, Vico, Soro; Molina

SM words green background

We say: Navalcarnero 0-2 Granada

Granada's recent form will not inspire much confidence within their fanbase, but the visitors' engine room will be bolstered by two returns this week. The hosts may fancy their chances at another giant killing with Martinez expected to rotate, but this will be a step too far for the minnows and we expect Granada to stroll into the quarter-finals.

Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting an away win in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.