Espanyol are back in action after two weeks, having been unable to face Villarreal last Monday due to a weather alert. It is a game to be made up for the Catalans, who are still at risk of relegation. Despite having lost only one of their last seven games, the gap between them and third-from-bottom Alavés, who further reduced the gap at the weekend thanks to their win over Villarreal, remains minimal (+1).
Espanyol’s last outing was in Vitoria-Gasteiz, where Alavés were beaten 1-0 by a goal from Calero, a precious victory in the battle for survival. However, in order to achieve their goal of staying up, they cannot afford to take a break or relax, as the fight promises to be very tight.
Manolo Gonzalez’s team will have to try to take advantage of the difficult period Girona is going through in a Catalan derby that offers plenty of opportunities. Michel’s men have won just one game since being eliminated from the Champions League: after their victory over Las Palmas, they suffered three consecutive defeats, a run that was only interrupted in the last round thanks to a thrilling draw with Celta Vigo (2-2). The Red and Whites have 32 points in the standings: seventh place and Europe are not far away, but at the same time, they will need to watch their backs, considering that the relegation zone is practically equidistant. Michel will most likely have to do without Oriol Romeu in midfield (the former Barça player is not 100%) and striker Ruiz. As for the hosts, Gragera will not recover in time.
Odds comparison
The “1X” sign is quoted at 1.57 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and at 1.55 on Snai. The “Goal” sign is quoted at 1.83 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and at 1.82 on Snai.
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The prediction
Espanyol can be trusted, as they are in good form and want to prove it against their cousins Girona, who have visibly dropped off since their exit from the Champions League. Michel’s team, moreover, have not kept a clean sheet since January and have conceded at least two goals in their last four games: it is likely that both teams will find the back of the net.
Probable line-ups for Espanyol-Girona
ESPANYOL (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; El Hilali, Kumbulla, Cabrera, Romero; Lozano, Gonzalez; Jofre, Kral, Puado; Fernandez.
GIRONA (3-4-2-1): Gazzaniga; Lopez, Krejci, Blind; Martinez, Arthur, Romeu, Gutierrez; Tsygankov, Bryan Gil; Stuani.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1