Arsenal heads to Spain for their final Champions League group stage clash against Girona, confident in their place in the competition’s round of 16. With five wins in seven matches, Mikel Arteta’s side sits comfortably in third place and has effectively booked their ticket to the knockout phase.
Fresh off a crucial 1-0 victory over Wolves in the Premier League, Arsenal has rediscovered their form and resilience. Despite injuries and rotation challenges, the Gunners remain a formidable force, blending discipline with creativity. Their Champions League campaign has showcased both clinical finishing and defensive solidity, giving them a strong edge heading into Wednesday’s matchup.
Girona, on the other hand, has had a season to forget. Following a stellar 2023/24 campaign that saw them dazzle La Liga with their dynamic possession play, they’ve struggled to replicate last season’s highs. Key summer departures have left Michel’s squad lacking the depth and cohesion needed to compete at the highest level. With just three points from seven matches in the Champions League, Girona is already eliminated, and their focus has likely shifted back to domestic competition.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Girona:
Injuries and suspensions have further hampered Girona’s campaign. Tottenham loanee Bryan Gil will miss the match due to yellow card accumulation, and full-back Miguel Gutierrez remains sidelined. Familiar names such as Daley Blind and Donny van de Beek are expected to start, but Girona’s lineup is far from full strength.
Predicted Girona XI: Gazzaniga; Martinez, Juanpe, Lopez, Blind; Herrera, Romeu; Asprilla, Van de Beek, Danjuma; Ruiz.
Arsenal:
Mikel Arteta is expected to rotate his squad, giving opportunities to younger players while ensuring key figures get a rest. William Saliba and Myles Lewis-Skelly have returned to fitness, providing stability at the back. Meanwhile, Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino could feature after missing Arsenal’s weekend victory. However, Ben White, Bukayo Saka, and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain unavailable.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Jorginho, Merino, Nwaneri; Sterling, Havertz, Martinelli.
Prediction
While Girona’s possession-based style can cause problems for opponents, their lack of cutting-edge quality has been their undoing this season. Arsenal, brimming with confidence and depth, is well-equipped to exploit Girona’s vulnerabilities. Even with a rotated squad, the Gunners should have enough to secure a comfortable victory and finish their group-stage campaign on a high.
Prediction: Girona 0-2 Arsenal
