Third-placed Girona will finish their domestic season with a clash with relegated Granada in a dead rubber for both teams.
Michel will take charge of a stunning Girona side for the last time this season against Granada and then begin preparations for a summer window that could prove tricky for the club. In any case, the surprise package of La Liga this season has successfully made it to the UEFA Champions League next season and secured third spot ahead of the final game of the season.
A few of their current performers might be leaving for a new club. But Michel will bask in the glory of a momentous season for now. Girona will be a bit disappointed at how their title challenge faltered away but will be more than happy with their final position on the table.
With a five-point lead over fourth-placed Atletico Madrid, Girona have secured their current spot. However, they did allow Barcelona to creep in owing to some bad results and squandered the second spot. However, they will want to end the season with a win as they take on a relegated Granada side.
For Granada, the game is meaningless, with only positional value involved. They are currently 19th in the standings. But basement side Almeira could still take their place in the final standings should they manage a win with a good enough goal margin on the final day.
Granada have been anticipating relegation and appointed Jose Ramon Sandoval only two months ago in a bid to avoid the drop. Their boss could not manage that and will now decide on his immediate future after this clash against Girona.
Team News & Tactics
Girona
The clash against Valencia ensured that no Girona player suffered from any unforeseen problems, meaning Michel would have the bulk of his squad available, barring those who had been out injured for the long term.
Joel Roca, Ricard Artero, John Solis, and Borja Garcia are all out of contention for the home side ahead of the final game of the season. Michel will also check on left-back Miquel Gutierrez, who missed the Valencia clash with a knock but will be expected to feature against Granada.
The Girona manager will also remain optimistic about Yan Couto’s illness but will not be too fussed if he misses out. Meanwhile, star striker Artem Dovbyk will aim to get on par with Villarreal Alexander Sorloth.
The latter’s four-goal haul against Real Madrid took him to 23 goals, two more than the Girona hitman. Hence, the Ukrainian international will target the Golden Boot and hope for goals against Granada.
Probable Lineup (4-5-1): Gazzaniga; Martinez, Lopez, Garcia, Blind; Tsygankov, Martin, Herrera, Garcia, Portu; Dovbyk
Granada
Granada have a few injury issues ahead of the final day of the season. Centre-back Raul Torrente could not complete the game against Celta Vigo with what looked like a muscular cramp, although he might still undergo a late assessment to determine his participation against Girona.
Kamil Jozwiak, Myrto Uzuni, Ignasi Miquel, and Augusto Batalla are all minor doubts for the last game of the season. Meanwhile, if Torrente does not make it to the squad, Kamil Piatkowski should replace him in the heart of Granada’s defence.
There are also doubts about whether their striker Antonio Puertas will play from the start. After missing his penalty at the very end, he missed a golden chance to steal a point against Celta Vigo.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Batalla; Mendez, Rubio, Miguel, Neva; Pellistri, Hongla, Gumbau, Corbeanu; Arezo, Boye
Key Stats
- Girona are confirmed to finish in the third spot, irrespective of their result with Granada.
- Girona have won three of their last five games in La Liga.
- Granada have failed to win 31 of their last 34 matches in La Liga.
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Granada’s last five games in La Liga.
- Granada have conceded at least two goals in their last four matches in La Liga.
Player to Watch
Artem Dovbyk
The Ukrainian striker has had a terrific season and has more or less spearheaded Girona’s charge into the top four. At the same time, he might have been disappointed with his team bowing out of the title race, although he still has the Golden Boot to aim for before the campaign draws to a close.
With only a game left and top scorer Alexander Sorloth two strikes ahead, Dovbyk will have to put in a clinical performance against Granada to claim the coveted prize in Spain. It is pretty surprising that none of the Real Madrid or Barcelona stars is among those running for the accolade, which makes this a significant opportunity for the Ukrainian to achieve on the final day of the season.
Prediction
Girona 3-0 Granada
The hosts are the clear favourites against their already-relegated opponents, with Michel eager to finish the season on a high note. Girona have the personnel and talent to put Granada to the sword, as Artem Dovbyk will be on fire to get among the goals.
Granada will reflect on their season, and with nothing to lose in this final fixture, they might want to end on a high note as well. However, their hosts will likely overpower them in this final game of the campaign and keep a clean sheet in the process.
