Barcelona are looking to snap out of their recent stumbles when they host Girona in a Spanish La Liga fixture on Saturday. The Blaugrana will be counting on their superior record against the visitors, who are struggling this season.
The International break came at the right time for Barcelona, who have lost their last two matches in all competitions. First, they suffered a 2-1 home defeat to PSG in the UEFA Champions League before losing 4-1 at Sevilla last time out in La Liga.
The good news for Barcelona is that they are only two points off the pace in the table and will be keen to get back on track. Hansi Flick's men have also won all three of their La Liga home matches, with a 6-0 victory over Valencia among their results.
Girona will head into Saturday's clash off the back of a 2-1 home victory over Valencia in their previous La Liga fixture. They opened the scoring early in the first half through Vladyslav Vanat, while Arnaut Martinez struck the winner after the break.
That was the first win of the season for Girona, who have found things difficult so far and currently sit in the bottom three. Michel’s men have drawn their last two away matches and will be feeling some confidence ahead of this clash.
How the bookies view it: Barcelona overwhelming favourites
Barcelona have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 2/11 by BoyleSports to claim the win. A victory for Girona is valued at 9/1, while a draw is set at odds of 6/1.
Head to head: Superior Barcelona
Barcelona have an 11-3 advantage, with two draws from 16 previous matches against Girona. The hosts did the double last season, claiming 4-1 victories in both matches.
Players to watch: Eyes on Torres
Ferran Torres has four La Liga goals for Barcelona this season and could be the one to watch on Saturday. The forward was also on target in the last home clash with Girona (Ferran Torres anytime goalscorer – priced at 4/6 with BoyleSports).
Girona will look to Vladyslav Vanat to provide the spark in attack following his effort last time out. The forward has two goals this season and could be worth keeping an eye on (Vladyslav Vanat anytime goalscorer – valued at odds 9/4).
Probable line-ups:
Barcelona have injury problems, with Gavi, Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal all sidelined. Torres is likely to feature in attack, while Ronald Araujo should continue in defence.
Girona are also without several key players, with Donny van de Beek, Viktor Tsygankov and Azzedine Ounahi all injured. Alejandro Frances is also suspended following a red card last time out, but Vanat, Axel Witsel and Vitor Reis are all available to feature.
Barcelona: Szczesny, Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde, Pedri, de Jong, Casado, Bardghji, Rashford, Torres.
Girona: Gazzaniga, Rincon, Reis, Blind, Martinez, Witsel, Guerra, Moreno, Asprilla, Gil, Vanat.
Anything else catch the eye?
Barcelona and Girona have both scored in their last four meetings (BTTS YES – offered at 8/13 by BoyleSports). All four fixtures have produced over 3.5 goals – available at 4/6.
The Blaugrana will be targeting another comfortable victory, having won by three clear goals in the last two meetings (Barcelona -2 handicap – available at odds of 23/20).
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