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A Catalonian derby sees Girona welcome Barcelona to the Estadi Montilivi with both teams in very different situations in the league.
Girona sit 12th in the league ahead of matchday 24. Recent results have seen them climb away from the drop zone with two draws in their last three and only one team below them winning in the last matchday. However, they are only four points above Rayo Vallencano in 18th, so they are nowhere near safe enough to relax.
Barcelona have only a few days to rest after their humbling defeat against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey. They may be smarting from that 4-0 defeat; however, they now need to lick their wounds and focus on the league, where they are only a point above eternal rivals, Real Madrid, in the table. A win last time out against Mallorca made it three in a row in La Liga, but they need to win again this week to keep the battle for the top spot in their hands.
Girona v Barcelona key information
• Date: Monday, February 16th
• Kick-off time: 20:00 GMT
• Venue: Estadi Montilivi, Girona
• Referee: N/A
• VAR: N/A
• TV channels: Premier Sports (UK)
• Odds: GIR (6/1) - DRAW (4/1) - FCB (4/11)
Girona team news
Girona have a host of injuries that will see players miss this clash with Barca, with one of those missing being more disappointed than most. Marc-Andre ter Stegan joined Girona on loan from Barcelona in January, hoping to get some game time ahead of the World Cup this summer. Sadly, he picked up a hamstring injury that saw him miss Girona’s game against Sevilla, and will see him miss this game too.
Azzedine Ounahi is still suffering from the injury he picked up away at AFCON, and Alex Moreno is also set to miss this game after missing the Sevilla trip. Now joining them is Fran Beltrán, who went off injured against Sevilla. Portu and Donny van de Beek are long-term injuries who will still be missing.
Girona predicted lineup vs Barcelona, (4-3-3)
Coach: Michel
Gazzaniga, Rincon, Vitor Reis, Blind, Martinez; Martin, Witsel, Lemar; Tsygankov, Vanat, Gil.
Barcelona team news
The 4-0 loss to Atletico will have shaken up Hansi Flick, but he will be hoping that missing some key players was the reason. Marcus Rashford and Raphinha were two who were missing through injury, but both could be back for the Girona visit. Pedri and Gavi remain sidelined with their return dates still unknown.
Robert Lewandowski did not start against Atletico, but you would imagine he starts here, as he has scored four times in his last four appearances against Girona. Another strike here could be good news for the visitors, as Barcelona have won the last 16 matches in which he has netted
Barcelona predicted lineup vs Girona, (4-3-3).
Coach: Hansi Flick
Joan Garcia; Kounde, Cubrasi, Araujo, Balde; Casado, de Jong, Fermin; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha.
Where to watch on TV or live stream?
In the UK, this derby between Girona and Barcelona is available to watch on Premier Sports. To watch, you need to have a Premier Sports subscription, and then the match can be streamed online or on Sky.
Head-to-Head record
Girona last beat Barcelona in the 2023/24 season, winning 4-2 at home. Since then, they have lost their last three LaLiga games against Barcelona, their longest losing run against the Blaugrana in the competition.
One stat that works in Girona’s favour going into this fixture is that they have not lost any of their three Catalan derbies played on Mondays in LaLiga (W1, D2), including a 0-0 draw against Barca in April 2023. Add in Girona’s record at home, where they have lost just one of their last eight games in LaLiga (W3 D4), and they may have a chance here.
Barca have won their last six in all competitions, compared to Girona, who are on a three-game winless run. The momentum is with the league leaders, along with history.
Odds for Girona v Barcelona
Barcelona are big favourites to win here, coming in at 4/11 at bet365. A Girona win is at 6/1, with a draw at 4/1.
Odds correct at time of writing, subject to change.