Girona will take on Barcelona on Sunday, 15 September in the first Catalan derby of the new La Liga season.
Girona, who stunned everyone in world football by finishing inside the top four last season, have started well again this time around and are currently in fifth position in the league table.
Barcelona, meanwhile, have been the pick of the bunch in Spain and currently lead the way after winning all four of their opening fixtures.
How the bookies view it: Barcelona go in as odds-on favourites
While there is no getting away from the fact that this is a tricky fixture for Barcelona, the bookies still have Hansi Flick's men as the comfortable favourites for this one. Betfred have priced a Barcelona win at 4/5 while a win for Girona has been priced at 3/1. The draw, which would at least keep Barcelona's unbeaten start to the season alive, has also been priced at 3/1.
Recent head-to-head: Girona at the double
Girona only returned to the Spanish top flight in 2022 and they have only lost once to Barcelona in the four matches they have played against them since. Last season, Girona completed the double over Barcelona, beating them 4-2 in both matches, so strap yourselves in, as we could be in for a classic if recent results are anything to go by.
Players to watch: Life in the old dog yet
Hansi Flick taking over at Barcelona has seemingly breathed new life into Robert Lewandowski at Barcelona. The big Pole turned 36 last month but he has started every match for Barcelona in La Liga this season and is averaging a goal per game.
Last season, there was no doubt that Xavi was looking to phase Lewandowski out of the team, but Flick's appointment gave him a second chance at success at the club he joined in 2022. The two men have previously worked together between 2019 and 2021 at Bayern Munich when Lewandowski was arguably at the peak of his powers.
While he may have lost a yard of pace, his game has never been about running in behind but rather about his fantastic instincts in the box and laser-sharp movement. Flick has instilled confidence back in him and he is now playing his best football in more than two years.
Predicted line-ups
Girona are without Ricard Artero due to injury and Oriel Romeu due to ineligibility as he is a Barcelona loanee. Arnaut Danjuma could get his first start for the club since signing on loan from Villarreal. Barcelona are still without several key players including Ronald Araujo, Gavi and Frenkie de Jong.
Girona: Gazzaniga – Frances, Lopez, Blind, Gutierrez – Tysgankov, Herrera, Martin, Gil – Ruiz, Danjuma
Barcelona: Ter Stegen – Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde – Pedri, Casado – Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha – Lewandowski
Anything else catch the eye?
Although Barcelona have won every match so far, their only truly convincing win was the 7-0 demolition of Real Valladolid last time out. In their other three matches, they have only won by one goal and conceded at least once each time. Girona, meanwhile, have scored at least once in three of their four matches. Both teams to score has been priced at 1/2 by Betfred.
This La Liga match between Girona and Barcelona will be played on Sep 15, 2024 and kick off at 15:15. Check below for our tipsters best Girona vs Barcelona prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
