Athletic Bilbao vs Granada preview - Alcaraz going for three points

Posted Monday, April 01, 2013 by PA

Granada coach Lucas Alcaraz says his side will go all out for what would be a vital win over relegation rivals Athletic Bilbao at the San Mames.

Ahead of Monday's game, Alcaraz's outfit are just four points clear of the Primera Division relegation zone, while Athletic are one place and four points better off in 14th.

Granada are without a win in five, and Alcaraz has demanded an end to that run to make sure they don't have to rely on other results going in their favour.

"If you win games you do not care for the other results, we have to win and the sooner the better," he told reporters.

"Every remaining game is important. Let's go to Bilbao with the intention of winning the game.

"We have to respect Athletic - they have good players and a great coach.

"We have to be confident in the things we have to do to win."

Dani Benitez continues his rehabilitation from a hernia which has kept him out since January, but Alcaraz will be able to call upon Mikel Rico, who is no longer suspended after his yellow card he picked up against Levante was rescinded.

Alcaraz's counterpart Marcelo Bielsa named his starting XI in a press conference, with Ander Iturraspe and Aduriz replaced by Iker Muniain and Carlos Gurpegui

There has been much talk of a change in formation, with Athletic set up with three centre backs in training over the past few weeks.

Their defence has been an issue all season and only the bottom two - Deportivo and Real Mallorca - have conceded more league goals than the Basque outfit.

However Bielsa has played down the importance of his side's formation, claiming too much has been made regarding the possible change in tactics.

"There are many things to pay attention to at this time of the season tied with the production team and how could it could be improved. My dedication and my focus is on that," the Argentinian told reporters.

"Currently, the objective are is to move away from this position and the lower rungs of the table."