Athletic Club vs Girona Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips
Athletic Club vs Girona Match Preview
Fifth placed Athletic Club will host second placed Girona at the Estadio San Mames in La Liga on Monday, February 19.
The hosts enter this contest on the back of a great run of form. They have lost just one game in their last 10 across competitions. During that phase, they secured seven wins and two draws. Athletic have also been solid at the back, conceding just twice in their last five games, including four clean sheets. Their last outing was a disappointing goalless draw against bottom side Almeria who had 10 men. Ernesto Valverde’s men will look to make amends for that missed opportunity in their next game.
The visitors, on the other hand, are just slightly worse off in terms of form. They have lost two games in their last 10 across competitions, securing five wins and three draws. While Girona have scored freely, they also tend to leak goals against teams playing aggressively. They have scored eight goals but conceded eight as well in their last five games. Their last outing was a 4-0 hammering by Real Madrid as they were given a reality check. However, they will look to bounce back with a strong performance.
On that note, let’s take a look at the team news from both camps.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Athletic Club
Manager Valverde will have no major injuries or suspensions to deal with and will have a largely fit squad at his disposal. However, striker Gorka Guruzeta missed the last game against Almeria due to a hamstring niggle and will be assessed before the next game.
Elsewhere, Inigo Ruiz, Dani Vivian and Aitor Paredes are all facing the risk of being suspended. The trio has picked up four yellow cards apiece already this season and will be suspended for one game if booked once more.
The manager has mainly stuck with the same lineup, with Asier Villalibre slotting in for Guruzeta. That combination is likely to continue for the next game as well.
Predicted XI: Unai Simon (GK), Inigo Lekue, Daniel Vivian, Aitor Paredes, Yuri Berchiche, Inigo Ruiz, Benat Prados, Inaki Williams (C), Oihan Sancet, Alex Berengeur, Asier Villalibre.
Girona
Manager Michel will be without long-term absentee Toni Villa, who has been out since April last year with a cruciate ligament injury. He is not expected to return to action for another month at least. Defender David Lopez will also be doubtful for this game.
Meanwhile, defenders Juanpe and Arnau Martinez are risking a one-game suspension. They have already been booked four times each this season and will look to stay disciplined.
Michel will likely stick with the same XI he fielded in Girona’s defeat to Real Madrid.
Predicted XI: Paulo Gazzaniga (GK), Yan Couto, Eric Garcia, Juanpe (C), Miguel Gutierrez, Ivan Martin, Aleix Garcia, Viktor Tsygankov, Portu, Savio, Artem Dovbyk.
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Athletic Club vs Girona Head-to-Head & Prediction
Last 5 Games Head-to-Head
- Girona 1-1 Athletic Club (11/23)
- Athletic Club 2-3 Girona (02/23)
- Girona 2-1 Athletic Club (11/22)
- Girona 1-2 Athletic Club (03/19)
- Athletic Club 1-0 Girona (12/18)
As you can see, things are perfectly balanced as far as head-to-head is concerned with these two. Both Athletic Club and Girona have recorded two wins apiece, with the teams playing out a score draw in their last meeting.
Four of their last five games have seen both teams score, while three of them have seen three or more goals being scored. Both teams have scored seven goals each in their last five meetings.
The upcoming game could also see both teams score, given their capabilities and their near-equal quality. This game could end in an entertaining draw.
Prediction: Athletic Club 2-2 Girona.
Betting Tips
- Both Teams to Score – Yes: 1.63
- Double Chance – Girona or Draw: 1.89
- Girona to Score in Second Half – Yes: 1.86
Match Odds
- Athletic Club Win: 1.97
- Draw: 3.75
- Girona Win: 3.80
Athletic Club vs Girona Timings & Telecast
- Date & Time: Monday, February 19th at 8 PM (GMT).
- India: Sports18, JioCinema app & website.
- UK: Viaplay, ITV.
- US: ESPN.
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