FC Barcelona vs Girona CF: Match prediction, team news, probable line-ups, result, head-to-head, venue, date, time, where to watch

FC Barcelona are set to welcome surprise package of the Spanish football league this season, Girona CF, as a top-of-the-table clash beckons the two at Estadi Olimpic. With three points and lots at stake, both sides would look to extend their run at the league, which could potentially decide the fate of either sides.

David vs Goliath?

FC Barcelona has been one of the consistent sides this season. The former midfield metronome Xavi-led team has showcased their brilliance in winning several crunch fixtures, but losing some of them is acting as a hindrance to their pursuit of success. After managing some below-par performances against Mallorca and Granada which ended in stalemates, the Catalans are back at their best and have seemed to hit the right gear ahead of some important upcoming fixtures. They have achieved the Round of 16 qualification in UEFA Champions League, a feat which comes at Nou Camp after a period of two seasons. In their last game against arch rivals Atletico Madrid, a Joao Felix-led heroics sealed the deal for Blaugranas, as a underestimated Felix who was not treated fairly at Rojiblancos, scored the much-anticipated winner at Nou Camp, shutting his critics. They would be pumped up to face another stern test against Girona CF, who have suddenly emerged as one of the title-favorites this season. Thus, it would be a clash between the second-placed and third-placed side, which could fetch some of the biggest results in the build-up to title.

FC Barcelona vs Girona might not have been an intense clash in other seasons, but things are different this time, as the Manchester City sister club Girona has wreaked havoc at the Spanish top-flight. The club which boasts of several stars in the making like Barca loanee Eric Garcia, Stuani, Portu and Aleix Garcia to name some few, has been one of the biggest surprises this season at the Spanish domestic circuit. The “Blanquivermells” have been a top side, and have reached the zenith of La Liga table owing to their exceptional performances which have kept them in hunt for a maiden La Liga title. A surprise package at the top, Girona would look to flabbergast Barca at their own den, eyeing perfect three points which will take them afar from Xavi’s Barca. They have boasted a record 12 victories, two stalemates and a solitary loss and have been enjoying the second spot, after Real Madrid, who are comprehensively on the same points as Girona, but due to their inferior head-to-head record, Los Blancos are reigning at the top. They would be facing an interesting bunch of fixtures ahead of the winter break, which includes an all-important away game to play for, followed by close contests against Alaves and Real Betis, and it would indeed be worth watching their position before next year.

FC Barcelona vs Girona CF: team news

With an intense clash on the cards, both sides would be tempted to field their strongest eleven, but injuries and suspensions might have ruled out that decision. For the hosts FC Barcelona, star custodian Marc Andre ter Stegen is forced to go under the knife owing to a back problem, and Inaki Pena is slated to start the game once again. Gavi has been ruled out for the season owing to an ACL injury, while Inigo Martinez has been rued out till the start of 2024 owing to a hamstring problem.

As for opponents Girona CF, Michel would be without the services of Yangel Herrera, Joel Roca and Toni Villa. Borja Garcia and Artero are a major doubts within the squad, as Eric Garcia would be facing his parent club, marshalling the defensive sector along with Couto, who would benefit from the absence of Herrera from the midfield.

FC Barcelona vs Girona CF: predicted line-up

FC Barcelona: Pena; Kounde, Christensen, Araujo, Cancelo; Pedri, Gundogan, Frenkie; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Felix

Girona CF: Gazzaniga; Garcia, Lopez, Blind; Tsygankov, Couto, Garcia, Gutierrez; Martin, Dobvyk, Savio

FC Barcelona vs Girona CF: predicted result

FC Barcelona 3-0 Girona CF

FC Barcelona vs Girona CF: head-to-head

FC Barcelona victories: 7

Girona CF victories: 1

Draws: 2

Last meeting: FC Barcelona 0-0 Girona CF (11th April, 2023)

FC Barcelona vs Girona CF: Venue, Date, Time, Where to Watch

Venue: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys

Date: 11th April December, 2023

Time: 01:30 AM ( Indian Standard Time)

Where to Watch: Sports 18