Girona v Espanyol – Betting Preview
Girona Summary
Girona had suffered back-to-back defeats before competing for a 2-2 draw in Vallecas last time out.
The big setback in Getafe (L3-2) three Rounds ago was the lowest point of recent weeks, but the team is still confident of finishing the season strongly and pushing for a top seven place.
That said, Girona is becoming increasingly concerned about the fear of relegation and so this is a massive game.
Before the latest round has begun, they are just five points ahead of the 18th-placed side Valencia, and four points above opponent here, Espanyol who sits in 17th place.
The spirit and confidence remain positive, and the support will be good here against a Catalan rival.
Looking at team news now, where Michel Sánchez has some positive news.
Yan Couto, Callens, and Yangel Herrera, all have returned to training and could be in line to return for Girona.
The only negative is that Creative midfielder Aleix García remains out.
Espanyol Summary
The morale in Espanyol is worryingly negative right now, their 1-3 loss at home to Celta saw them sit nervously at the bottom part of the table over the international break.
The Catalan club urgently needs a victory to move on from three consecutive defeats in the league.
With these losses and a couple of clubs beneath them winning their respective games, Espanyol is drawn closer to the drop zone, sitting now just one point above Valencia before the La Liga 2022/23 round begins.
Looking at team news for Espanyol now.
There is a small chance that the powerful Ronael Pierre-Gabriel is cleared for a return.
Pierre-Gabriel is much needed in this game, particularly with Cabrera suspended. Should he miss out then Sergi Gomez will start.
The experienced Gomez has good aerial heading ability but Cabrera wins his defensive duels far more often, and is also more important in the opponent half and area. He is viewed more technical and an important winner of headers for attacking set pieces.
Pedrosa has already been ruled out once more and neither Gori nor Keidi Bare is back in full training, though both would struggle to contest a spot in Espanyol’s best XI.
Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first. Girona is strong at home and with this game being a sell out and stronger atmosphere than normal, a good showing is expected from them. Girona is @ 1.95 to win and a strong preference.
Espanyol would probably take the point, they are @ 4.50 to win and the draw is @ 3.50.
Moving onto the Asian handicap betting for this contest. Girona is -0.5@ 1.92 and so the 1X2 market offers more value at the time of writing.
Espanyol +0.5 @ 1.94 will need a big improvement if they are to avoid a loss.
Looking at The Under/Over goal betting last of all. The line is set at 2.25, the Over is @ 1.81 and the Under is @ 2.01.
