Arsenal will look to further cement their place in the top eight when they travel to face Girona on Wednesday. The Gunners are on the brink of qualification for the round of 16, with an important win over Dinamo Zagreb keeping them in third place. Despite some injury concerns, Mikel Arteta’s men have been solid defensively, conceding just two goals in the competition so far.
On the other hand, Girona has had a challenging campaign in the UEFA Champions League, with several narrow 1-0 losses, including a frustrating defeat to AC Milan. While they have been competitive against some of the best sides in Europe, their lack of cutting edge in attack has seen them fail to convert strong performances into points. With nothing but pride to play for, Girona will aim to give their home fans something to cheer about as their European journey comes to an end.
Team News & Tactics
Girona
Michel faces several key absences, including Bryan Gil, who is suspended, and Daley Blind, who was injured recently. Additionally, goalkeeper Paulo Gazzanigga is doubtful due to an injury. With Miguel Gutierrez also sidelined, Alejandro Frances is likely to step in as a makeshift left-back.
Girona will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Pau Lopez in goal. The defense will feature Arnau Martinez, Juanpe, David Lopez, and Frances. In midfield, Yangel Herrera and Oriol Romeu will provide a solid base, while Donny van de Beek takes on the advanced playmaker role. On the wings, Viktor Tsygankov and Arnaut Danjuma will look to provide creativity, with Abel Ruiz leading the line.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Lopez; Martinez, Juanpe, David Lopez, Frances; Herrera, Romeu; Tsygankov, van de Beek, Danjuma; Ruiz
Arsenal
Arsenal will be missing key attackers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus for this match. However, Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino are both back in training and could feature after recovering from illness and injury, respectively. There may be rotation in Arteta’s lineup, with Ethan Nwaneri potentially handed a start, along with Raheem Sterling and one of Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli in a false nine role. In midfield, Jorginho and Merino could feature alongside Odegaard, while Declan Rice and Thomas Partey may be rested.
The Gunners are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Raya in goal and Timber, Saliba, Calafiori, and Lewis-Skelly making up the back four. Odegaard, Jorginho, and Merino will take control of the midfield, while Nwaneri, Trossard, and Sterling will lead the attack.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Jorginho, Merino; Nwaneri, Trossard, Sterling
Key Stats
- Girona has lost their last three matches across all competitions.
- Girona has won only one of their last seven Champions League matches.
- Arsenal is unbeaten in their last four matches.
- Arsenal have conceded just two goals in the UEFA Champions League this season.
- Arsenal have won five of their seven Champions League matches this season.
Player to Watch: Martin Odegaard
Martin Odegaard has been Arsenal’s main attacking threat in recent weeks, especially with the absence of Bukayo Saka. The Norwegian international will be key for the Gunners in creating chances and linking play. With important games ahead, including a tough clash against Manchester City, Odegaard’s performance in this fixture will be crucial to Arsenal’s chances of securing all three points and progressing comfortably.
Girona vs Arsenal Prediction
Girona 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal’s superior quality and solid defensive record should see them take all three points in this fixture. Despite Girona’s resilience in past matches, Arsenal’s depth and firepower, even with some rotation, should prove too much. Expect Odegaard to orchestrate play, while Sterling and Trossard provide the attacking threat for the Gunners in a comfortable win.
Girona vs Arsenal Live Stream
Watch online via NaijaSport247 TV
