Barcelona VS Girona Match Prediction

Barcelona and Girona have only played once outside of the Catalan Cup. That match occurred back in September, and Barcelona would walk away with a 0-3 win on that day. Two goals came from own goals, and the third came from Luis Suarez as Girona's plan to man mark Lionel Messi did not work out.

%HEAD-TO-HEAD-STATS-BANNER%

Barcelona vs Girona Betting Tips and Odds

Bet365 have the following odds available for this match:

Barcelona are at 1/9 to win, a draw is at 8/1, and a Girona win is at 16/1.

Barcelona, off the back of their tie with Chelsea in the Champions League in midweek, will come into this match on top of La Liga with 62 points from 24 games. They are still seven points ahead after they got a win last weekend to answer back after two straight Liga draws before that. Atletico are still going to try and pressure them, but they should really be pushing closer to the title now.

Girona, who have had a splendid debut season in the top flight in Spain, will begin this weekend in eighth place in the division. They have taken 34 points so far, putting them just four back of the final Europa League spot currently held by Villarreal. They have only lost once in their last five matches and have eight points from those games.

At home, Barcelona have looked nearly invincible this term. Sure, they have drawn twice in 11 matches at the Camp Nou, but they have won all of the other matches and usually comfortably so. They have only conceded five total goals this whole season there and have 11 points from their last five at the famous old ground. Girona's away record has been decent with the smaller Catalan side taking 14 points from 12 matches. They have three wins and five draws, but they have not won any of their last five matches away and have only two points to show from those efforts.

A no for both teams to score, via Ladbrokes, is set at 8/11.

Barcelona vs Girona Prediction

Girona attempted to outmaneuver Barcelona in the first meeting earlier this season, and while they kept it respectable, it ultimately did not work out. Like that match, expect them to keep it tight but Barca come away with three points.

Correct Score Prediction: Barcelona 2-0 Girona

Team News

Ernesto Valverde will have some tough decisions to make for this match. Last weekend, he picked Andres Iniesta instead of Philippe Coutinho despite having the UCL match ahead in the midweek for the "better of the team." He also has spoken about not having time to experiment with Ousmane Dembele, so he is also looking to be on the outs.

It means that selection here will be an interesting one to behold.

Key Man

It was truly far from their very best on Tuesday night, but Barca got an away goal and a draw and stand a great chance of moving to the quarterfinals of the UCL as a result. Their best player on the night was, arguably, Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan did not score, unlike Messi, but he was much more lively and beared down on the back line of the Blues. If Girona decide to man-mark Messi again, he will be one to keep an eye on.

Team Form

Barca have three draws and two wins in their last five matches:

1-1 draw at Chelsea (UCL)
0-2 win at Eibar
0-0 home draw vs Getafe
0-2 win at Valencia (Copa del Rey)
1-1 draw at Espanyol

Barcelona Predicted Starting Line-up

Expected Line-up: 4-4-2

Team News

Pablo Machin is missing center back Pedro Alcala due to injury. The one interesting decision to be made won't necessarily be personnel but rather whether they should look to take Messi out of the game. In the eyes of many, the strategy backfired in September as it gave the rest of Barca more space. But they could look to do it again here.

Key Man

Outside of Barcelona, two of the best strikers in La Liga this season hail from their Catalan rivals. Most people know, or should know, about Cristian Stuani at this point, but his partner Portu has flown under even more radars. The Spaniard has struck nine times in the league to date, and one of those came last weekend and he helped seal up three points in their victory over Leganes.

Team Form

Girona have two wins, a loss, and two draws in their last five matches:

3-0 home win vs Leganes
1-0 loss at Sevilla
2-0 home win vs Athletic Bilbao
0-0 draw at Malaga
1-1 draw at Atletico Madrid

Girona Predicted Starting Line-up

Expected Line-up: 3-5-2

After a hard-fought draw away to Chelsea in London, Barcelona will feel confident about their chances of progression in the Champions League. But now they must turn their attentions back to domestic matters, and at hand is a potentially tough match up with a Catalan rival. Girona will provide a tough test, but they are no match in truth for their hosts.

Girona have won four straight at home in La Liga.