Espanyol Hosts Girona in a Crucial LaLiga Showdown
Espanyol is set to welcome Girona to the RCDE Stadium in Matchweek 27 of the LaLiga 2024-25 season. Both teams have struggled to find consistency, with the hosts currently sitting 15th in the table and the visitors just two spots ahead in 13th. While Espanyol comes into this fixture with renewed confidence following a narrow victory over Alaves, Girona will be aiming to bounce back after a series of underwhelming performances.
Match Preview
Espanyol will be motivated to turn their fortunes around, especially with the advantage of playing at home. Their recent 1-0 win against Alaves has provided a much-needed boost, and they will look to build on that momentum. Despite their struggles, Espanyol has the firepower to challenge Girona, particularly with Javier Puado leading the attack.
Girona, on the other hand, is desperate to regain form after a disappointing run. Their latest outing ended in a 1-1 draw against Celta Vigo, where a late equalizer salvaged a point. With their recent record against Espanyol in their favor, Girona will be aiming to capitalize on any defensive lapses from the home side.
Match Details
- Location: Barcelona, Spain
- Stadium: RCDE Stadium
- Date: Tuesday, March 11
- Kick-off Time: 01:30 IST / 20:00 GMT (Monday, March 10) / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
- Referee: Adrian Cordero
- VAR: In use
Form Guide
- Espanyol: D-W-L-D-W
- Girona: W-L-L-L-D
Key Players to Watch
Javier Puado (Espanyol)
Puado has been a vital attacking force for Espanyol this season, registering eight goals and an assist. If he can link up effectively with his teammates, he has the potential to be a game-changer in this crucial matchup.
Yangel Herrera (Girona)
The Venezuelan midfielder will be pivotal in Girona’s efforts to control the midfield battle. His ability to dictate play and break opposition attacks could determine Girona’s success in this fixture.
Head-to-Head Record
- Total Matches: 14
- Espanyol Wins: 4
- Girona Wins: 8
- Draws: 2
- Recent Record: Girona has won four of the last five league meetings against Espanyol, while the hosts have failed to secure a victory in their last five encounters.
Betting Tips & Odds
- Match to end in a draw – @23/10 (Betfair Sportsbook)
- Total goals over 3.5 – @13/5 (Unibet)
- Javier Puado to score anytime – @6/1 (Skybet)
Injury & Team News
Espanyol will be without Fernando Pacheco, Jose Gragera, and Pablo Ramon, all sidelined due to injuries.
Girona is missing Abel Ruiz and Oriol Romeu, both ruled out for this fixture.
Predicted Lineups
Espanyol (4-2-3-1)
GK: Álvaro Fernández
DEF: Óscar Gil, Sergi Gómez, Leandro Cabrera, Brian Oliván
MID: Keidi Bare, Sergi Darder
ATT MID: Nico Melamed, Javier Puado, Martin Braithwaite
FWD: Joselu
Girona (4-3-3)
GK: Paulo Gazzaniga
DEF: Arnau Martínez, David López, Juanpe, Miguel Gutiérrez
MID: Aleix García, Yangel Herrera, Iván Martín
FWD: Viktor Tsygankov, Artem Dovbyk, Cristhian Stuani
Final Prediction: Espanyol 1-1 Girona
