Girona will take on Athletic Bilbao in La Liga on Sunday, 6 October with the hosts in desperate need of a win after going four league matches without one.
After finishing inside the top four last season, Girona have had a little bit of a reality check at the start of this campaign but do need to stop their slide down the league if they are to avoid getting involved in a relegation scrap.
Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, have been very good so far this season and look like a team ready to compete for the top four this time around.
How the bookies view it: Bilbao are the shock underdogs
There is brilliant value to be had on an Athletic Bilbao victory on Sunday as they have been priced as the outsiders with the bookies. Betfred have priced a Girona win at 11/8 while a win for Athletic Bilbao has been priced as long as 2/1. The draw, which would extend Girona's winless streak to five, has been priced at 23/10
Recent head-to-head: A mixed bag
Since Girona were promoted to La Liga in 2022, the two teams have played each other on four occasions. In their first year back in the big time, Girona completed the double over Athletic Bilbao, however, last season they failed to win either match as Bilbao won 3-2 at home and drew 1-1 away.
Athletic Bilbao's last win in Girona was back in 2019 when they ran out as 2-1 winners.
Players to watch: The Williams brothers to combine again?
There aren't many better wing combinations in world football than Nico and Inaki Williams. The two brothers, who have both only ever played for Athletic Bilbao, combined for 17 goals and 14 assists in La Liga last season and have started the new season in similar form.
While Inaki is the better finisher of the two, Nico is the superior creator which makes both of them unique prospects for defences to tackle. In midweek both of their best assets were on full display as Nico set up his older brother who did what he does best to help down AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League.
The duo are the main reasons why Athletic Bilbao ended their long trophy drought last season in the Copa del Rey and they remain the main reasons why the club are among the favourites to win the Europa League this time around. Can Girona find a way to stop them both on Sunday?
Predicted line-ups
Girona are suffering with injuries to several key players, including Oriol Romeu and Daley Blind, which perhaps excuses them somewhat for their slow start to the season. Athletic Bilbao are missing Benat Prados, Yeray Alvarez and Unai Simon due to injury while Julen Agirrezabala is suspended.
Girona: Gazzaniga – Frances, Lopez, Krejci, Gutierrez – Herrera, Martin, Van de Beek -Portu, Stuani, Danjuma
Athletic Bilbao: Padilla – De Marcos, Lopez, Paredes, Lekue – Vesga, Jauregizar – N.Williams, Sancet, I.Williams – Guruzeta
Anything else catch the eye?
Girona have failed to score in two of their last three league matches but Athletic Bilbao do usually give teams a chance, especially away from home. Athletic Club have conceded two or more goals in two of their three away matches so far in La Liga. Over 2.5 goals to be scored has been priced at 10/11 by Betfred.
This La Liga match between Girona and Athletic Bilbao will be played on Oct 6, 2024 and kick off at 13:00. Check below for our tipsters best Girona vs Athletic Bilbao prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
