Catalan derby! Girona FC faces Barcelona on September 15, 2024. Injury-hit Barcelona seeks revenge after Girona's 4-2 win. Key players, lineups, and match preview.
The La Liga 2024/25 season is going to witness the catalan derby between Girona FC and FC Barcelona which will provide thrilling moments ahead. The remarkable event of this match is taking place on September 15th, 2024 at 19;45 IST in Estadi Montilivi where Girona will hope to reproduce their recent victory over reigning la liga champions (Barcelona).
Match Details
Date & Time: Sunday, September 15, 2024, at 19:45 IST
Venue: Estadi Montilivi, Girona
Given FC Barcelona’s thirst for dominance in the league and Girona FC’s desire to utilise on their momentum, an exciting, drama-filled match with tactical genius is what fans should expect.
Win Probability
Girona FC: 23%
FC Barcelona: 53.7%
While FC Barcelona remains the favorites, Girona's recent form and home advantage could make this match more competitive than the odds suggest.
Predicted Lineups
Girona FC (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Paulo Gazzaniga
Defenders: Alejandro Francés, David López, Daley Blind, Miguel Gutiérrez
Midfielders: Ivan MartÃn (C), Oriol Romeu, Yangel Herrera
Forwards: Viktor Tsygankov, Abel Ruiz, Bryan Gil
FC Barcelona (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Marc-André ter Stegen
Defenders: Jules Koundé, Pau CubarsÃ, Iñigo MartÃnez, Alejandro Balde
Midfielders: Marc Casadó, Dani Olmo, Pedri
Forwards: Ferran Torres, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski
Barcelona’s squad features a mix of youth and experience, while Girona's lineup showcases a solid midfield and forward line. It will be interesting to see how both sides balance their attack and defense.
Injury Updates
FC Barcelona:
Gavi: Knee injury, return date unknown
Frenkie de Jong: Ankle injury, no set return date
Ronald Araujo: Hamstring injury, expected to return later in 2024
Andreas Christensen: Knee injury, no return date
Fermin Lopez: Hamstring injury, return expected by September 25
Ansu Fati: Doubtful with a foot injury, potential return for the Champions League
Girona FC:
No significant injuries reported.
Barcelona is missing several key players, including Gavi and Frenkie de Jong, which could impact their midfield dynamics. Girona, on the other hand, is set to field a fully fit squad, giving them a potential edge in terms of consistency and chemistry.
Head-to-Head Record: Girona FC vs FC Barcelona
Total Matches Played: 14
FC Barcelona Wins: 9
Girona FC Wins: 3
Draws: 2
Barcelona has historically dominated this fixture, but Girona's victory in their last meeting shows that they are capable of upsetting the odds. With both teams eager to secure crucial points, this encounter is expected to be closely contested.
Key Players to Watch
Robert Lewandowski (FC Barcelona): With 4 goals already this season, Lewandowski remains Barcelona’s biggest threat in front of goal. His ability to find space and finish clinically could be decisive.
Abel Ruiz (Girona FC): Girona’s top scorer with 2 goals this season, Ruiz will be looking to add to his tally and inspire another famous win over their Catalan rivals.
Dani Olmo (FC Barcelona): The creative midfielder has been in good form, and his vision and passing could unlock Girona’s defense.
The Girona vs FC Barcelona clash in La Liga 2024/25 is shaping up to be a fascinating contest. While Barcelona will enter the game as favorites, Girona’s recent victory over the Blaugrana shows they are no pushovers. The match will likely be decided by key moments in attack and how well both defenses hold up under pressure.
Barcelona’s injury concerns, especially in midfield, could provide Girona with an opportunity to exploit gaps and test Marc-André ter Stegen. On the other hand, Lewandowski’s predatory instincts will keep Girona’s defense on high alert throughout the match.
Expect a tense and tactical battle in this Catalan derby, with both teams looking to outwit each other in what could be a pivotal match in the La Liga season.