Girona will look to return to winning ways when they hit the road to square up against Athletic Club after having suffered a huge blow in their pursuit of the league title.
Girona’s title ambitions took a big hit in their last outing, but they are still in the mix and will look to revive themselves with all three points against Athletic Club, who are pushing for a top-four finish.
The home team are currently fifth on the points table with 46 points out of their 24 matches. While they have done a decent job throughout the campaign, things have not been that great of late. They have only won one out of their last four games and will look to improve on that against Girona.
Athletic Club are heading into this fixture on the back of a disappointing 0-0 draw against Almeria. They dominated the proceedings, had more of the ball and created more chances but still could not find the back of the net against an opposition who played with ten men for 40-odd minutes.
The home team will have to do a much better job against Girona to stand a chance of winning this fixture. The visitors will be eager to return to winning ways having suffered a hammering at the hands of league leaders Real Madrid.
Only two points separated the two teams before they squared up against each other. A win could have helped Girona claim the top spot, but they ended up getting smashed 4-0. The visitors are second on the points table, five points behind Los Blancos.
They cannot afford to lose any more points, and as a result, this will be a must-win fixture for them to stay in the title race. Meanwhile, The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both teams are tries to predict the tactics they could put to use.
Team News & Tactics
Athletic Club
The home team will be without the services of Daniel Vivian. Meanwhile, Nico Williams and Gorka Guruzeta’s availability will depend on a late fitness test. If the duo are fit in time, they will return in the final third.
Athletic Club will go ahead with the 4-2-3-1 formation, where Unai Simon will be in goal. Oscar de Marcos and Yuri Berchiche will be the full-backs for the home team. They will look to support the centre pack pairing of Yeray Alvarez and Aitor Paredes. The back four will look for a clean sheet against the second-best attack in the division.
Meanwhile, Mikel Vesga and Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta will feature in the centre of the park. The duo will look to control the tempo of the game and ensure they have a stable base to attack from. Inaki Williams and Nico Williams will take charge on either flank.
They will look to provide width to their attack and cut inside when the opportunity presents itself. Oihan Sancet will be the attacking midfielder for the home team. He will look to create opportunities for their number nine Gorka Guruzeta.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Simon; De Marcos, Yeray Alvarez, Paredes, Yuri; Ruiz de Galarreta, Vesga; Inaki Williams, Sancet, Nico Williams; Guruzeta
Girona
The visitors will be without the services of David Lopez, Joel Roca, and Toni Villa. Even Yan Couto is unavailable because of suspension having picked up a milestone yellow last time out against Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Artem Dovbyk’s availability will depend on a let fitness test on a muscular problem.
Head coach Michel is unlikely to make any major changes to the XI despite the loss last time out. Girona will stick to the 4-2-3-1 formation, where Paulo Gazzaniga will be in goal. Arnau Martinez and Miguel Gutierrez should be the full-backs for this fixture. In the heart of the defence, Eric Garcia will start alongside Juanpe.
Aleix Garcia and Ivan Martin will form the double pivot in the centre of the park. They will look to shield the backline and keep things tight at the back. The duo will look to distribute balls for their attacking players to carry on their good work. Viktor Tsyhankov and Savio will be the wingers for this fixture, while Portu will be the attacking midfielder just in behind star striker Dovbyk.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Gazzaniga; A Martinez, Eric Garcia, Juanpe, Gutierrez; Ivan Martin, A Garcia; Tsyhankov, Portu, Savio; Dovbyk
Key Stats
- Athletic Club and Girona have both won three games apiece out of the last seven meetings between the two.
- The home team are winless in their last three games against Girona in La Liga.
- The reverse fixture between the two teams ended in a 1-1 draw.
- Girona have not lost in any of their last three away outings against a Basque team in the league.
- Athletic Club have only lost one out of their last 14 league games.
Player to Watch
Savio
19-year-old Savio has been doing wonders for Girona in the ongoing season. He has played a big part in their dominant run in the league, the teenager has featured in 24 league matches and has contributed towards 12 goals.
His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, and he seems all set to join Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the summer. But, before he makes that move, there is still a lot of work to be done. And, if Girona are to win the league, Savio will have to continue in a similar fashion.
Prediction
Athletic Club 2-2 Girona
Athletic Club are pushing for a top-four finish, and Girona are aiming to keep their title hopes alive. Despite missing key players, both sides possess strengths that could influence the outcome.
The visitors are heading into this one on the back of a disappointing defeat while the home team played out a disappointing draw last time out. Their recent form suggests it is going to be a very closely fought encounter and just like the reverse fixture, even this meeting between the two teams could end in a draw. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-2 draw this time out.
The will end 1-1