Barcelona returns from the international break by facing Girona in a crucial Catalan derby on Saturday.
Hansi Flick’s side currently sit second in La Liga, trailing leaders Real Madrid by two points after a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Sevilla before the break.
Barcelona vs Girona – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: 18th October, Saturday.
- Kick-off: 3:15pm BST.
- Venue: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona.
Barcelona Team News
Barcelona face a significant injury crisis ahead of Saturday’s clash, with several key players unavailable. Robert Lewandowski has been ruled out with a hamstring injury sustained while on international duty with Poland.
The 36-year-old continued playing despite feeling discomfort, which has left Barcelona frustrated with their star striker’s decision-making. Ferran Torres is also out with a hamstring issue to leave Barcelona light in attack. His absence has been called a precaution.
Dani Olmo is confirmed to miss the match after suffering an injury in his left leg while with the Spain squad. The midfielder is expected to be sidelined for 2-3 weeks, which will also rule him out of El Clásico.
On a positive note, Fermín López is also expected to return from his groin injury and could start in place of the absent Olmo.
Lamine Yamal remains a doubt after his groin injury, though Barcelona are optimistic he could feature. Long-term absentees include Marc-André ter Stegen (back surgery), Joan García (knee), and Gavi (knee surgery).
Girona Team News
Girona’s injury list is lengthy. David López (thigh), Azzedine Ounahi (thigh), and Jhon Solís (discomfort) are all at risk of missing out.
Donny van de Beek (cruciate ligament), Juan Carlos (cruciate ligament), plus Thomas Lemar and Abel Ruiz (muscle) are out. Iván Martín and Alejandro Francés are unavailable due to red card suspensions. Defensive struggles may be further exacerbated by these absences.
Key players for Girona include goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga, who has been a regular starter, and striker Vladyslav Vanat, who has scored two goals in five appearances this season.
Form
Barcelona
Hansi Flick’s side currently sit second in La Liga with 19 points from eight matches, having won six, drawn one, and lost one. Despite their recent defeat to Sevilla, Barcelona have been in excellent form this season, averaging 2.75 goals per match in La Liga. They have scored 22 goals in eight league games while conceding just nine.
The Catalans have shown tactical evolution under Flick, implementing a more vertical and direct style of play with high pressing and quick transitions. Their home record has been perfect, winning all three matches at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
Girona
Girona find themselves in a precarious position, sitting 18th in La Liga with just six points from eight matches. They have managed only one victory this season, alongside three draws and four defeats. Their goal difference of -12 highlights their struggles at both ends of the pitch.
Michel’s side has endured a difficult period since their remarkable third-place finish in the 2023-24 season. The departure of key players and integration of new signings has proved challenging, with the team struggling to replicate their previous success.
Predicted Lineups
Barcelona: Szczęsny; Koundé, Cubarsí, Eric García, Balde; Pedri, de Jong; Yamal, Fermín López, Roony, Rashford.
Girona: Gazzaniga; Rincon, Vítor Reis, Blind; Martinez, Solís, Witsel, Alex Moreno; Asprilla, Bryan Gil; Vanat.
How to Watch Barcelona vs Girona?
UK viewers can watch Barcelona vs Girona live through LaLigaTV.
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