Barcelona will look to extend their lead at the top of La Liga when they host Girona in a Catalan derby at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Sunday. And what a time to do it—with a commanding 3-0 victory over Osasuna still fresh in their minds. That win was their eighth on the bounce in La Liga. Girona, on the other hand, are struggling this season. They’re 13th in the table and winless in six league games.
Barcelona: Team News and Lineup
Injuries have taken their toll on Barcelona’s squad. Dani Olmo, Andreas Christensen, Marc Casado, Marc Bernal and goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen are all out. But Raphinha and Pau Cubarsi are set to return to the starting lineup. You can expect Hansi Flick’s team to stick with their trusted 4-2-3-1 formation.
That lineup could look something like this: Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski. Frenkie de Jong and Pedri will control the tempo of the game, while Gavi will play a more advanced role. Robert Lewandowski will lead the attack as Barcelona aims to maintain their dominance.
Girona: Team News and Lineup Expectations
Girona have their own injury and suspension issues to deal with: Abel Ruiz, Jhon Solis, and Ivan Martin are injured, while Donny van de Beek is out suspended. Despite their struggles this season, Girona have at least avoided defeat in their last three matches. They’re likely to go with a 4-3-3 formation.
That lineup could be: Gazzaniga; A Martinez, Blind, Krejci, Gutierrez; Herrera, Romeu, Arthur; Tsygankov, Stuani, Danjuma. Cristhian Stuani will spearhead Girona’s attack, and he’s got a bit of history against Barcelona to draw on.
Key Stats
- Barcelona have won eight La Liga matches on the bounce. Girona are winless in six league games but have drawn their last three.
- Cristhian Stuani has scored four goals against Barcelona while playing for Girona.
- Barcelona are unbeaten in 19 matches across all competitions.
Prediction
Given Barcelona’s current form and Girona’s struggles this season, you’d back the home team to secure another victory. While Girona may put up a fight with Stuani leading their attack, Barcelona’s quality should tell.
Barcelona 2-1 Girona
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