Barcelona vs Girona prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2023-12-09 20:00.
Back in August, few would’ve predicted that Barcelona and Girona’s meeting in December would have potential title ramifications for both sides. Fast forward four months, and that’s exactly how the land lies, with reigning La Liga (LL) champions Barça trailing Girona by four points, but the Catalan giants know a win here at their temporary home of the Estadi OlĂmpic LluĂs Companys would heap serious pressure on the plucky underdogs.
Barça have already fended off one title challenger of late, beating Atlético Madrid 1-0 at home last weekend to stretch their impressive league run in their temporary home to seven wins from eight (L1) this season. An impressive four victories from six top-flight encounters with Girona (D2) would hint at a continuation of that strong home form, but with the last two Barça-held H2Hs ending level, they’ll have to guard against complacency.
Some may argue another point would suit the visitors as it would keep Xavi’s side at bay for at least a little while longer, but for a side now firmly in the title picture, that doesn’t mean they’ll settle for a share of the spoils. That’s a point reinforced by the fact Girona travel on the back of some phenomenal away league form this season (W6, D1), and should be buoyed by an incredible comeback win against Valencia last weekend, where two goals after the 80th minute earned them all three points.
Boss MĂchel has been the brains behind their meteoric rise, and November’s LL manager of the month has certainly given the travelling Girona fans their money’s worth this season entertainment wise too, with a league-high 86% of their away league games ahead of the round seeing both teams score. That average could be reduced here though, especially given these two played out a 0-0 draw in this corresponding fixture last season.
Players to watch: Barcelona’s João Félix was on hand to sink his former side last weekend and he has a taste for decisive goals, netting what was ultimately the winner on his four scoring appearances this season. Cristhian Stuani was Girona’s matchwinner last weekend with what was his third successive club goal after the 80th minute.
Hot stat: Five of Girona’s seven away league games this term stood level at half-time.