Hansi Flick’s Barcelona will look to return to winning ways when they host a struggling Girona outfit.
After failing to strengthen their position at the top of the table, Barcelona will now resume their league campaign with a home game against Girona.
The home team are second on the table with 19 points in their eight outings. They had finally overtaken Real Madrid at the top; however, the Catalan giants have failed to retain their spot following a thrashing at the hands of Sevilla.
Flick’s team ended up losing 4-1 to Sevilla prior to the break, and it has helped Los Blancos once again take control of the title race. Barcelona will now be hoping to return to winning ways against Girona.
After failing to win any of their first seven league outings, Girona finally secured all three points against Valencia last time out. While Valencia dominated the proceedings, they were not clinical enough in the final third.
The visitors were reduced to nine men, but they still managed to hold onto the 2-1 lead. Having secured their first win of the season, they will now be looking to build on it. However, taking down Barcelona won’t be easy. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could deploy.
Team News & Tactics
Barcelona
Hansi Flick has a massive boost heading into this fixture as Lamine Yamal is back in the mix. While he is set to play a part here, the teenage sensation is unlikely to start.
Fermin Lopez is also expected to be back fit, but they do remain without the services of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Joan Garcia.
Ferran Torres will undergo a late fitness test, but he should be given the green light to take part in this fixture.
The home team will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where Wojciech Szczesny will be in goal. Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde will be the full-backs, while Pau Cubarsi will partner with Eric Garcia in the heart of the defence.
In the centre of the park, Pedri will start alongside Frenkie De Jong. The duo will not only shield the backline but also ensure that they control the tempo of the game.
Roony Bardghji could be handed a start in the final third alongside Marcus Rashford. Fermin Lopez could take up the number ten role, with Torres leading the line.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, E Garcia, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Bardghji, Fermin, Rashford; F. Torres
Barcelona vs Girona Predicted XI
Girona
The visitors will be without the services of Alejandro Frances and Ivan Martin because of suspension. Meanwhile, Juan Carlos, David Lopez and Donny van de Beek remain on the sidelines because of injury.
Abel Ruiz, Viktor Tsygankov and Azzedine Ounahi will undergo late fitness tests to determine their availability.
Girona will line up in a 3-4-3 formation, where Paulo Gazzaniga will take charge in goal. In the heart of the defence, Vitor Reis will start alongside Daley Blind and Arnau Martínez.
The back three will receive significant support from Hugo Rincon and Alex Moreno, who will feature as the wing-backs. Meanwhile, Jhon Solis and Axel Witsel will feature in the centre of the park. The duo will look to ensure Barcelona midfielders do not dominate the ball too deep in their half.
Joel Roca and Brayn Gil will feature on the flanks, providing much-needed width to their attacks, while Vladyslav Vanat will lead the line for Girona against Barcelona at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Saturday.
Probable Lineup (3-4-3): Gazzaniga; Reis, Blind, Martinez; Rincon, Solis, Witsel, Moreno; Roca, Vanat, Gil
Barcelona vs Girona Predicted XI
Key Stats
After failing to win any of their first seven league outings, Girona finally secured a win last time out.
After an unbeaten start to the season, Barcelona have now lost their last two outings in all competitions.
The Catalan giants smashed Girona 4-1 both home and away last season.
But, Girona were the ones who did a double of Barcelona back in the 2023/24 season.
The Catalan giants have won seven out of their last 11 games against Girona.
Player to Watch
Marcus Rashford
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The 27-year-old has certainly revived himself since joining La Liga giants Barcelona. While he was struggling for form at United, the English international is slowly getting back to his best at the Spanish club.
He has been involved in 10 matches so far and has contributed towards eight goals (three goals, five assists). With a few of their star forwards unavailable, Flick will expect Rashford to stand up and deliver a match-winning performance here.
Prediction
Barcelona 3-1 Girona
Barcelona will be eager to respond after their humbling defeat to Sevilla before the break. Hansi Flick’s men have looked sharp for most of the season, and with key players like Pedri and Frenkie de Jong pulling the strings in midfield, they should have enough quality to dominate proceedings at home.
Girona, meanwhile, will take confidence from their first league win of the season against Valencia, but facing Barcelona is an entirely different challenge. Their defensive frailties and disciplinary issues could come back to haunt them against a side brimming with attacking talent. The Hard Tackle predicts a comfortable 3-1 win for Barcelona.