LaLiga 2022-23: Girona vs FC Barcelona: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head

The league leaders will hope to stretch their lead on top with a win.

Girona is set to welcome FC Barcelona at the Estadi Montilivi on Saturday, 28 January 2023. The LaLiga fixture between these two teams will be an exciting one, to say the least. It will be a battle between the mid-table strugglers and the league toppers. This is the first clash between the two outfits, with the second leg set for a later date in April 2023. 

FC Barcelona is in a rich vein of form in the league, with four wins in the last five matches. On the other hand, Girona is struggling to find consistency. Their last five matches in LaLiga have seen two wins, two draws and one defeat. Even though the odds are heavily in favour of the visitors, the hosts will back their chances in front of the home crowd to cause an upset.

FC Barcelona is searching for a third win in a row in LaLiga. A win against Girona will help the club extend the lead on the top of the table where they have 44 points, three more than second-placed Real Madrid after 17 matches. The Blaugrana has conceded only six goals this campaign as of yet and look high on confidence as they travel to the Estadi Montilivi.

Girona is under pressure as they face one of the strongest teams in the league. It will be a positive result for the hosts if they can contain the league leaders to a draw. A win will be a huge statement and an upset that will give their fans a huge reason to celebrate in an otherwise underwhelming campaign up to this point.

Girona form (all competitions) - L-L-D-D-W-L

Barcelona form (all competitions) - W-W-W-W-W-W

Players to Watch

Girona

Aleix Garcia

Aleix Garcia plays an important role in the team. He is one of Girona’s most creative midfielders who can play with the ball in his feet under pressure. The midfielder has four assists this season and will be crucial when it comes to midfield battles against FC Barcelona.

FC Barcelona

Robert Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski is the leading goalscorer in LaLiga. He has 13 strikes for FC Barcelona in the league and will certainly add more to his tally as the season progresses. The Polish international leads the attacking line with authority. Xavi’s men perform the duty of providing him with quality service efficiently. Girona’s defenders will need to work overtime to keep the striker silent. 

Match Facts

• FC Barcelona has conceded only six (the least) goals in LaLiga after 17 matches.
• Robert Lewandowski has not scored a headed goal in the current LaLiga season after 15 appearances.
• The Estadi Montilivi can hold 11800 match-going spectators.

Team news

Girona will be without the services of Ibrahima Kébé who is suffering from knee issues. On the other hand, Ferran Torres will be unavailable for FC Barcelona who is serving a suspension.

Head-to-Head Stats

Matches - 8

Girona - 1

Draws - 1

FC Barcelona - 6

Predicted Lineups

Girona (4-2-3-1)

Paulo Gazzaniga (GK), Arnau Martinez, Bernardo Espinosa, Juanpe, Miguel Gutierrez, Oriol Romeu, Aleix Garcia, Rodrigo Riquelme, Ivan Martin, Toni Villa, C. Stuani

FC Barcelona (4-3-3)

Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK), Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Jordi Alba, Pedri, Sergio Busquets, Frenke de Jong, Ousmane Dembele, Gavi, Robert Lewandowski

Prediction

FC Barcelona’s record in LaLiga speaks volumes of their improvement under Xavi. They are expected to dominate the game against Girona. Prediction: Girona 0 - 3 FC Barcelona.

Telecast

India - Voot/MTV

UK - LaLiga TV/ITV

USA - ESPN+

Nigeria - SuperSport