Third-placed Girona could climb up to the second spot in La Liga with a win over Xavi’s Barcelona on Saturday.
Barcelona will look to build on their last win in La Liga when they hit the road to square up against Girona. While it has been a disappointing second half of the 2023/24 campaign, the Blaugrana will look to end the season on a high. But they are facing an opposition who have surpassed all expectations this term.
Girona were in the title race a few weeks ago but have fallen off lately. However, they are all set to feature in the UEFA Champions League next season, which is a huge boost for them. They are just two points behind Barcelona, and a win here will see them climb above them. The home team have won their last two league outings and will look to make it three in a row against the Catalan giants.
Barcelona are 11 points behind league leaders Real Madrid. Their hopes of retaining the league title are almost done and dusted. Failing to beat Girona could gift Los Blancos the league title if they win their game against Cadiz earlier that day.
Xavi’s team have not been at their best this time out, but they will look to finish the season on a high. They will look to ensure they finish second and for that to happen, they need to win this away game. Barcelona are heading into this one on the back of a 4-2 win over Valencia, and they will be confident about their chances. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could deploy.
Team News & Tactics
Girona
The home team will be without the services of Juanpe, Ricard Artero, and Joel Roca. Meanwhile, Borja Garcia and Cristhian Stuani will be subject to a late fitness test.
Girona are unlikely to make any major changes to their XI, with Paulo Gazzaniga in goal. Eric Garcia and Miguel Gutierrez should be the full-backs for the home team, while David Lopez and Daley Blind could feature in the heart of the defence.
Yangel Herrera should pair up with Aleix Garcia in the centre of the park. The duo will form the double pivot, and they will provide the much-needed cover to their back line. Yan Couto and Savio will feature on the flanks, while Ivan Martin will be the attacking midfielder. Star striker Artem Dovbyk will be leading the line for them.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Gazzaniga; Eric Garcia, David Lopez, Blind, Gutierrez; Herrera, Aleix Garcia; Couto, Martin, Savio; Dovbyk
Barcelona
Xavi Hernandez will be without the services of Gavi, Alejandro Balde, and Frenkie de Jong. Apart from the trio, everyone else is expected to be available for selection.
Barcelona will stick to the 4-3-3 formation, where Marc-Andre ter Stegen will continue in goal. Jules Kounde and Joao Cancelo will be the full-backs for the visitors, while Pau Cubarsi should feature alongside Ronald Araujo in the heart of the defence.
Andreas Christensen should be the defensive midfielder, while Pedri and Ilkay Gundogan should be in his support. They will look to ensure Barcelona have the majority of the ball and they dictate the pace of this game. Lamine Yamal and Raphinha will feature on the flanks, while Robert Lewandowski will lead the line for Barcelona against Girona.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Cancelo; Gundogan, Christensen, Pedri; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha
Key Stats
- Barcelona have won seven of their last 11 games against Girona who only have two wins.
- Girona have not lost in each of their last two league outings against Barcelona.
- The visitors have lost only one out of their 16 away games in La Liga this season. This is their best away record since the 2018-19 campaign.
- Girona have been unbeaten in their last 12 home game in La Liga.
- The home team have the second-best attack in the league having scored 69 goals so far.
Player to Watch
Lamine Yamal
At just 16, Yamal has already established himself in Barcelona’s first team. He is a star in the making and in the ongoing season, he has featured in 45 matches while contributing towards 14 goals. The teenager has scored six goals and assisted another eight. He has been a constant threat from the right flank, and Xavi will expect the teenager to deliver for his team yet again.
Prediction
Girona 2-2 Barcelona
Both Girona and Barcelona were involved in the La Liga title race a few weeks ago, but they have fallen off. While they recently had a dip in form, both have bounced back and are playing some quality football.
The records suggest the Blaugrana are the favourites. But given the kind of performances Girona have put in this term, they will surely challenge them for all three points. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-2 draw on the night.