Match Preview : Barça VS Girona- La Liga

I don’t know about you, but is has felt like forever since we last saw Barça in action. Fortunately however, after what has been a very long and boring international break, Barça are finally back in action this afternoon. This time in a local derby versus our Catalan neighbours. Live from 4:15pm local time, back at the Estadi Olympic Lluis Companys, it’s Barça against Girona.

It’s been a tough few weeks and the workload has already taken its toll on the squad. We’re coming into this game, still, with a lot of injuries. But the positive thing is that today’s game marks the day where a lot of those injured players will be beginning to return. And with a packed schedule coming up until the next international break, it’s important we see as many players back as possible.

So, with all that being said, let’s jump straight into the match preview for what is a massive game in La Liga.

A Quick Look at our opponents:

In terms of our opponent for tonight’s game, as I mentioned above, it is our Catalan neighbours Girona. They haven’t had an incredible start to the season to be honest, floating in and around the relegation zone. It is still very early days in the season, but when you think back to just a couple of years ago. When they were not only challenging for the European spots, but also the La Liga title. Inevitably qualifying for the champions league for the first time in their history.

Since then, down to a lot of different things but mainly due to all of their best players being poached in that coming summer window. They just haven’t been able to reach the heights of only a few seasons back, and it’s been a struggle for them.

However, we aren’t coming into today’s game with good for, either, so nothing is a given. They will pose a difficult test for us, maybe not sitting back too much, but they will definitely invite the pressure. With a lot of injuries and poor results in recent weeks, it’s going to be a tricky afternoon for us. And it will be very interesting to see how Flick decides to lineup, given the amount of absences we still have.

Predicted lineup:

And speaking of just that, we now move into the possible lineup for today’s game. In terms of absences, we will definitely be without Joan Garcia, Raphinha, Gavi and Lewandowski. But todays game is expected to be the day where we see Fermin and Lamine Yamal return to the pitch. However, not expected to be starters, or feature heavily at all. Flick confirmed they’re ready to come back but not for the full 90”s just yet. Ideally, I would be looking at resting Pedri today. I understand why he wouldn’t, because he is the most importantly player in the team. But he needs and deserves a break.

Defensively things will pretty much pick themselves, although I would like to see Christensen alongside Cubarsi, and Balde has to return at left back. Leaving Martin on the bench. The attack…well the attack is the worst part of the team right now in terms of absences. Yamal won’t start and Ferran is suffering from overload. So it really is anyone’s guess as to what Flick will decide to go with.