Girona vs Osasuna Preview: Team News & Prediction
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This is a big game in the bottom-half of La Liga, with what is an extremely congested relegation battle as Girona take on Osasuna at Montilivi in Catalonia.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so any game may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / US – ESPN+
Girona preview: Out of the bottom three
Girona have, for the first time this season, finally escaped the bottom three and the relegation places after a continuation of their much-improved run of performances was finally matched by an improved recent run of results of late.
They come into this one on the back of a hard-fought but deserved 2-1 victory at the Iberostar Stadium in Palma de Mallorca against Real Mallorca, courtesy of a goal each from Ukraine internationals Viktor Tsygankov and Vladyslav Vanat.
Osasuna preview: Mid-table but not safe
Coached by former Mirandes boss Alessio Lisci, Osasuna have been very underwhelming to watch throughout the campaign but they have been steadier in terms of results over the last month or so.
The Pamplona-based outfit shared a 1-1 draw with Athletic Club at El Sadar in Navarre last weekend, meaning that the visitors have now suffered just one defeat in their last eight matches across all competitions.
Girona team news: Nothing fresh
There doesn’t appear to be any fresh concerns for Girona to deal with, with their biggest and most crucial absentee remaining Azzedine Ounahi, who is with Morocco at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
Predicted XI (4-5-1): Paulo Gazzaniga; Arnau Martinez, Reis, Blind, Alex Moreno; Tsygankov, Lemar, Witsel, Ivan Martin, Bryan Gil; Vanat
Unavailable: Juan Carlos (Injured), Ricard Artero (Injured), Van de Beek (Injured), Ounahi (International duty), Portu (Injured)
Questionable: Krapyvtsov (Injured), Cristhian Stuani (Injured), Abel Ruiz (Injured)
Osasuna team news: Still no Boyomo
Like Girona, there are no fresh injury concerns for Osasuna but, like Girona, they are without a key man due to AFCON as centre-back Enzo Boyomo remains on international duty with Cameroon.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sergio Herrera; Rosier, Alejandro Catena, Jorge Herrando, Javi Galan; Jon Moncayola, Lucas Torro; Raul Garcia, Aimar Oroz, Victor Munoz; Budimir
Unavailable: Boyomo (International duty), Iker Benito (Injured)
Questionable:
Girona vs Osasuna prediction
Girona have found some fluency of late with the Catalans able to match the intensity and aggression of their manager, Michel, who was highly critical of both players and the club’s hierarchy earlier this season, with performances on the pitch. Osasuna have a very defensive style of football and lack much quality, too, outside of Ante Budimir. Given the upward trajectory that Girona appear to be on, siding with the Catalans appears the way to go here.
Girona vs Osasuna tip: Girona to win
