FC Barcelona is back in action in La Liga against Girona on Sunday, less than 72 hours after their last league game.
Barcelona defeated Osasuna 3-0 at the Estadio Olimpico Lluis Companys on Thursday in a game that had been rescheduled. The initial date for the contest was scheduled for March 8, but had to be postponed after Barca first team doctor Carles Miñarro Garcia suddenly passed away just hours before kickoff.
Barca Corner Flag Related
Barcelona v Osasuna Postponed After Death of First Team Doctor
Barcelona have released a statement in the wake of the death of their first-team doctor, Carles Minarro Garcia.
Despite the awkward rescheduling, the Catalans steamrolled their Basque rivals, with goals coming from Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski.
The win lifted the Blaugrana three points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table on 63 points. Atlético Madrid is now seven points off the pace in third place.
Girona, meanwhile, have drawn their last three league outings, and are winless in their last six. The Catalan club's last win came in early February against Las Palmas.
Michel's side have fallen to 13th in the standings, seven points clear of the relegation zone.
Barcelona won the reverse fixture 4-1 back in September,
Where to Watch FC Barcelona vs Girona
Alejandro Balde in action for Barcelona
Every single La Liga game can be streamed on ESPN+ in the United States, with Spanish language broadcast being offered on ESPN Deportes. For those tuning in from Canada, you can find the action on TSN+.
When: Sunday, March 30 – 10:15AM ET / 7:15AM PT
Where: Estadio Olimpico Lluis Companys, Barcelona
Where to watch in the United States: ESPN+, ESPN Deportes
Where to watch in Canada: TSN+
FC Barcelona vs Girona Betting Odds
Robert Lewandowski
FC Barcelona to win: -500
Draw: +600
Girona to win: +900
Both teams to score (Yes/No): -148 / +116
Over/Under 3.5 Goals: -116 / -106
Robert Lewandowski first goalscorer: +250
Ferran Torres anytime goalscrorer: +100
Raphinha to score or assist: -220
Odds courtesy of FanDuel.
Girona Projected Lineup vs FC Barcelona
MixCollage-10-Sep-2024-01-02-PM-2695
A couple of ex-Barca men are set to start against their former club on Sunday. Loanee Oriol Romeu and Brazilian midfielder Arthur Melo should be in Michel's lineup for the trip to Barcelona, hoping to get one over their former employer. La Masia product Abel Ruiz will miss the game through injury.
Veteran striker Cristhian Stuani will surely start and hope to add to his four career goals against Barcelona, flanked by skillfull wingers Viktor Tsygankov and Arnaut Danjuma.
Former Ajax and Manchester United defender Daley Blind should lead the backline and don the captain's armband.
Girona predicted lineup (4-3-3): Paulo Gazzaniga (GK) – Arnau Martinez, Daley Blind, Ladislav Krejci, Miguel Gutierrez – Yangel Herrera, Oriol Romeu, Arthur Melo – Viktor Tsygankov, Cristhian Stuani, Arnaut Danjuma.
Injuries/suspensions: Ricard Artero Ruiz (ankle), Abel Ruiz (knock), Bryan Gil (knee), Ivan Martin (knock), Jhon Solis (knee), Donny van de Beek (yellow card accumulation).
FC Barcelona Projected Lineup vs Girona
Pedri
Hansi Flick will have some of his stars available to him again, but the German boss does have a new injury to worry about.
Dani Olmo left Thursday's win with a muscle injury, and is expected to miss three weeks of action. However, Ronald Araujo and Raphinha will be back in the squad on Sunday, having missed out on the last game after arriving from international duty just a day before the match.
Gavi could get another start in midfield following an impressive performance against Osasuna. Fermin Lopez and Pablo Torre are also options in that position.
Robert Lewandowski should be back in the starting 11 after serving as a substitute on Thursday.
FC Barcelona predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Wojciech Szczesny (GK) – Jules Koundé, Ronaldo Araujo, Iñigo Martinez, Alejandro Balde – Frenkie De Jong, Pedri – Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha – Robert Lewandowski.
Injuries: Andreas Christensen (calf), Dani Olmo (muscle), Marc Casado (knee), Marc Bernal (ACL), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (knee).