Girona vs Oviedo Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Girona have struggled at the start of this season but they have been much-improved of late as they welcome fellow strugglers Real Oviedo to the 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 / Disney+ / US – ESPN+
Girona preview: Improving Girona
Last season, Michel spoke of his displeasure at the running of the club in Girona and that only got worse over the summer with the Catalans involved in a relegation battle, but their performances have been improving as the season has gone on.
That continued last weekend in a Catalan derby against Barcelona at Estadi Olympic Lluis Companys, losing by two goals to one to the defending champions with Ronald Araujo scoring a second-half stoppage-time winner.
Oviedo preview: Average Asturians
Real Oviedo gained promotion back to the top-flight at last last season, defeating Mirandes in the playoff final in the second-tier, and they started steadily given a tough fixture list but former Watford boss Veljko Paunovic was still sacked a few weeks ago.
Paunovic has been replaced by Luis Carrion, formerly of Oviedo who controversially left for Las Palmas. His first game in charge saw the Asturians suffer a 2-0 defeat at home to Espanyol at Estadio Carlos Tartiere last weekend.
Girona team news: Key doubts
Ahead of the visit of Oviedo, Girona have a few key doubts for this weekend such as defender David Lopez, midfielder Azzedine Ounahi and Atletico Madrid loanee Thomas Lemar.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Paulo Gazzaniga; Hugo Rincon, Reis, Blind, Alex Moreno; Bryan Gil, Arnau Martinez, Witsel, Joel Roca; Portu, Vanat
Unavailable: Juan Carlos (Injured), Alejandro Frances (Injured), Ricard Artero (Injured), Van de Beek (Injured)
Questionable: David Lopez (Injured), Ounahi (Injured), Lemar (Injured)
Oviedo team news: Santi Cazorla a doubt
Former Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla is a doubt for this weekend after the international break due to a knee issue. Defender Alvaro Lemos is also a confirmed absentee.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Aaron; Nacho Vidal, Bailly, Carmo, Alhassane; Hassan, Dendoncker, Colombatto, Chaira; Ilic, Salomon Rondon
Unavailable: Alvaro Lemos (Injured)
Questionable: Santi Cazorla (Injured)
Girona vs Oviedo prediction
Girona’s performance level has been improving and they did manage to get themselves a victory before the international break. They remain rock-bottom, though, ahead of the tenth match day. They face an Oviedo side that have had a very tough start in terms of their fixture list but now their bizarre managerial decision appears to have ruined the easier run for them and siding with Girona would appear a good bet for this one.
Girona vs Oviedo tip: Girona to win
