The Catalonian derby between Girona and Espanyol is heating up this November 23, 2024, at the familiar Estadi Municipal de Montilivi. This LaLiga face-off could shake things up for both teams. Espanyol, sitting in the 18th spot, are desperate to climb out of trouble. Meanwhile, Girona is riding high with a recent win over Getafe and strong home runs. Historically, Girona dominates this matchup, having outdone Espanyol in three of their last five meetings. Yet, both teams have their issues with injuries which might change things come game day. Girona’s Yangel Herrera is a noticeable absence, while Espanyol misses their key player Eduardo Expósito. Girona’s link with the City Football Group brings them fresh talent, giving them an edge, despite injury woes. Herrera’s absence until 2025 tests Girona’s midfield depth.
Girona vs Espanyol Prediction & Betting Tip
Given Girona’s stellar home form and recent triumphs, particularly against Getafe, they enter as favorites against Espanyol. The betting odds reflect this optimism, as Girona’s strengths are likely to capitalize on Espanyol’s weaknesses. Given Espanyol’s trouble on the road, Girona is tipped to win. Espanyol’s defensive gaps are glaring this season, making them an easy target for Girona’s organized play and tactical sharpness. For bettors, a bet on Girona to win is sensible, emphasizing their form and home turf confidence.
| Girona vs Espanyol Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Girona to win | 1.75 |
Girona vs Espanyol Odds
Betting markets are confidently backing Girona in this derby, thanks to their steady form and success in recent games. Espanyol’s higher odds mirror their league struggles and unpredictable play. A draw could happen in derby settings, but current trends and stats heavily favor a Girona win. These odds showcase Girona as the better choice, driven by Espanyol’s poor showing in away matches lately.
| Girona vs Espanyol Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Girona Win | 1.75 |
| Draw | 3.40 |
| Espanyol Win | 4.50 |
Girona Team Analysis
Girona Recent Performance
Girona’s recent performances show them as a team in good form, with three wins out of their last five matches showcasing a strong blend of attack and defense. Their tight 1-0 win against Getafe highlights their ability to grind out results in close games. Despite taking a 4-0 hit against PSV in their latest Champions League match, Girona’s domestic campaign remains commendable. They seem especially tough at home, winning three of their last games at Estadi Municipal de Montilivi, reflecting a 60% win rate recently. This strategy is working well, bringing positive outcomes.
| Recent Games | Result |
|---|---|
| Girona vs Getafe | 1-0 |
| PSV vs Girona (UCL) | 4-0 |
| Girona vs Real Betis | 3-1 |
| Valencia vs Girona | 1-1 |
| Girona vs Sevilla | 2-0 |
Under Miguel Ángel Sánchez, Girona stays relentless, leveraging squad depth amid injuries. The home stadium’s atmosphere challenges any visiting team, offering a daunting task for Espanyol.
Girona Key Players
Cristhian Stuani stands out for Girona, scoring four goals so far and being a crucial offensive anchor. Miguel Gutiérrez, valued at €25 million, contributes significantly on both ends of the pitch, while Paulo Gazzaniga ensures defensive stability. With Yangel Herrera out, the midfield load shifts to Oriol Romeu and Bryan Gil, key in the match against Espanyol. On defense, Juanpe is vital, shoring up against Espanyol’s advances. Forward Bojan Miovski complements team dynamics with his movements, while Ivan Martin, on a secured contract, injects creativity that Girona depends on to edge opponents.
Girona Suspensions & Injuries
Girona faces several injuries that could test their tactical adaptability. Herrera’s absence until 2025 hits the midfield hard. Other injury issues affect Ricard Artero and Viktor Tsygankov. Portu, Jhon Solís, Abel Ruiz, and Yaser Asprilla have their availability limited. Meanwhile, Alejandro Frances suffers muscle problems, with Gabriel Misehouy and Arnaut Danjuma dealing with hamstring troubles. These setbacks require young talents to step up, testing squad depths.
| Player | Injury Type | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Yangel Herrera | Long-term | 2025 |
| Ricard Artero | Not specified | TBD |
| Viktor Tsygankov | Not specified | TBD |
| Portu | Not specified | TBD |
| Alejandro Frances | Muscle strain | TBD |
| Arnaut Danjuma | Hamstring | TBD |
Girona Tactics and Formation
Girona is expected to opt for a 4-3-3 formation focusing on versatile midfield dynamics and strong wing play. Their approach hinges on pressing and swift defensive transitions, with Daley Blind and Juanpe anchoring the backline. In the midfield, Oriol Romeu provides vital strength alongside Miguel Gutiérrez, who offers width. Upfront, Bojan Miovski’s playmaking complements Cristhian Stuani’s striking capabilities. This setup allows for flexibility to tackle multiple scenarios, mitigating challenges from player unavailability. High pressing and quick counters are integral, allowing Girona to take advantage of teams like Espanyol prone to errors.
Espanyol Team Analysis
Espanyol Recent Performance
Espanyol’s recent form has been up and down, with two wins and three losses, highlighting their season’s struggles. Their position near the relegation zone emphasizes the urgency for a turnaround. Their loss to FC Barcelona shone a light on defensive issues that persist. Espanyol is keen to exploit Girona’s potential weaknesses to improve their ranking.
| Recent Games | Result |
|---|---|
| Espanyol vs Barcelona | 0-2 |
| Real Sociedad vs Espanyol | 3-0 |
| Espanyol vs Alaves | 1-0 |
| Espanyol vs Villarreal | 2-3 |
| Valladolid vs Espanyol | 1-1 |
With Manolo González at the helm, recent strategic adjustments target improved performances, seeking a shift in their league scenario.
Espanyol Key Players
Espanyol’s attack against Girona will likely be led by Javier Puado, who has scored four goals so far. Omar El Hilali is noteworthy on defense, gaining European attention, while Jofre Carreras adds offensive creativity. In midfield, Rafel Bauzà and Álvaro Aguado work to bolster team efforts. Leandro Cabrera brings experience to frequently tested defense lines, with Joan García’s skills being key against Girona’s attacking threats. Emphasizing the youth in their ranks, players like Omar El Hilali are crucial to Espanyol’s strategy.
Espanyol Suspensions & Injuries
Espanyol’s squad is strained with injuries, seen in the absence of Eduardo Expósito due to a crucial ligament issue, which thins the midfield. Defensive options are narrow with Fernando Calero and Jose Gragera out due to muscle and thigh injuries. Pol Lozano remains unavailable, adding to team strain. Marash Kumbulla’s absence creates a further defensive void, stressing the need for tactical solidity.
| Player | Injury Type | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Eduardo Expósito | Cruciate ligament | TBD |
| Fernando Calero | Muscle strain | TBD |
| Jose Gragera | Thigh injury | TBD |
| Pol Lozano | Long-term absence | TBD |
| Marash Kumbulla | Leg injury | TBD |
These losses push Espanyol to depend on less seasoned players stepping up.
Espanyol Tactics and Formation
Espanyol is likely to employ a 4-2-3-1 formation focusing on controlling the midfield. This style rests on players like Alex Kral, aiding in balancing attacks with defensive plays. Using wings, Omar El Hilali and dynamic wing-backs aim to break opposition lines, emphasizing defense to counter Girona’s pressing. Gathering around forward talents such as Javier Puado, Espanyol’s approach incorporates efficient set-pieces, searching for stronger offensives against Girona’s home defenses.
Girona vs Espanyol Head-to-Head Statistics
Looking at recent head-to-head matches, Girona comes out slightly on top, winning two of the last five face-offs, with Espanyol managing a draw or single win. Each match is a testament to the derby’s competitive spirit, laden with unpredictability. On home grounds, Girona has historically kept an edge over Espanyol, who often struggles on the road. Despite the intensity, these encounters usually trend towards Girona’s current dominance in LaLiga.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Girona | Espanyol | 1-1 |
| Espanyol | Girona | 0-2 |
| Girona | Espanyol | 2-0 |
| Espanyol | Girona | 3-3 |
| Girona | Espanyol | 1-0 |
While derby matches are closely fought, stats suggest a Girona advantage, a key trend shaping expectations.
Venue and Weather
The clash will unfold at Estadi Municipal de Montilivi, giving Girona their home edge amid cheering from over 13,000 fans, making for an intense atmosphere. Current forecasts predict mild, 14.06°C temperatures with scattered clouds, ideal for a lively game. A gentle breeze at 5.86 m/s adds a negligible impact. Such weather is perfect for the tactical maneuvers and brisk play hallmarking Catalonian derbies, intensifying the rivalry between close neighbors.
