Girona v Barcelona – Betting Preview
Girona Summary
Girona’s overall mood and confidence are strong and the season is exceeding all expectations.
The late loss to Villarreal was hard to take last week and slightly damaged their momentum. The club was rightly furious with officials who rallied against them with a red card and two non-existent penalties, one of which saw them lose 1-0. They will hope to channel this anger into a strong performance against Barcelona.
Girona will be extremely well motivated against their Catalan neighbour. They would be content to take a point from the match while a victory would be a dream result.
Michel Sánchez has some important absences including the continued one of their towering centre-back David López. This just adds to the fact Santi Bueno his fellow centre-back partner is suspended.
Juanpe will continue along with Bernando in defence, both highly experienced and capable, but this season they are viewed as a backup pairing.
The fringe men Ibrahima Kebé and Reinier Jesús remain out.
Barcelona Summary
Barcelona’s spirits and confidence on the pitch are very positive.
On the back of the Spanish super cup final win against bitter Real Madrid who they embarrassed in Saudi Arabia, they have won consecutive matches without conceding a goal and remain top of the table.
The cup win over high-flying Real Sociedad was particularly good for their mood and more importantly, their chances of lifting a second trophy of the season.
Barcelona doesn’t have any new injury concerns but remains without Ferran Torres and Lewandowski, the latter leaves a massive reduction in attacking potential.
Xavi will not send out the best team possible due to facing a very tricky away game against Real Betis on Wednesday. It is expected Busquets and one of their starting centre backs will rest, either Christensen or Araujo.
Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first. The clear favourite for this game is Barcelona @ 1.60, which could drift on line ups. Girona has the potential to trouble the host here in front of their own fans. They are @ 5.50 to win and shock their neighbouring giants. The draw meanwhile is @ 4.35.
Moving onto the Asian handicap market for this contest. Barcelona-1 is @ 1.99 and Girona +1 @ 1.87. There is a case to be made for the visitor keeping it close or better still, pulling off a shock. Based on team news which slightly favours them, Girona has decent chances to draw or win. Also, Barcelona could take their eye off the ball with a tough away trip to Betis on the horizon.
Looking at The Under/Over goal line last of all where the line is set at 2.75. Over 2.75 is @ 1.87 and the Under is @ 1.96. Slightly leaning towards the under as Barca has a midweek game which they’ll deem as being much tougher. With this on their mind, it may lead to what happened versus Getafe last week, and Barcelona plays low intensity and sit on a lead. That said, easier to swerve this kind of game because a capable Girona could score and force it open.
