Villarreal vs Girona Preview: Team News & Prediction
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These are two of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers from recent seasons, but they are in very different states as they prepare to meet at El Madrigal this weekend.
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 Villarreal vs Girona may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
Villarreal preview: Impressive Villarreal
On the opening day of the campaign, Villarreal were very impressive as they dispatched of newly-promoted Real Oviedo by two goals to nil. Salomon Rondon missed a penalty against the run of play for Oviedo before Villarreal earned a deserved victory.
The Yellow Submarine have been a little quiet in the summer transfer window but that isn’t a bad thing as Marcelino seeks to build on what was an impressive fourth placed finish and UEFA Champions League qualification last season.
Girona preview: Poor start for Girona
After finishing third in the 2023/24 La Liga campaign, Girona massively regressed to a relegation battle last year after the sale of several key players, but Michel has remained in charge and things haven’t improved after the opening week of the season.
Despite the eye-catching arrivals of loanees Vitor Reis and Thomas Lemar, Girona began their 2025/26 season campaign with a humbling 3-1 defeat to Rayo Vallecano at the Montilivi in Catalonia on the opening day.
Villarreal team news: Gerard a doubt
Club captain Gerard Moreno was excellent against Oviedo before limping off with a hamstring injury, and now he is a doubt for this visit of Girona this weekend.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Junior; Santiago Mourino, Foyth, Rafa Marin, Sergi Cardona; Pepe, Santi Comesana, Gueye, Yeremy Pino; Etta Eyong, Buchanan
Unavailable: Kambwala (Injured), Costa (Injured)
Questionable: Gerard (Injured), Ayoze (Injured)
Girona team news: Paulo Gazzaniga suspended
Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper was sent off against Rayo and now the Argentinian shot stopper is missing through suspension for the trip to Castellon.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Juan Carlos; Arnau Martinez, David Lopez, Krejci, Blind; Yangel Herrera, Jhon Solis, Joel Roca; Tsygankov, Miovski, Yaser Asprilla
Unavailable: Paulo Gazzaniga (Suspended), Ricard Artero (Injured), Miguel Gutierrez (Injured), Van de Beek (Injured), Abel Ruiz (Injured)
Questionable:
Villarreal vs Girona prediction
Marcelino is very good at getting his teams to fly out of the traps before managing games effectively. His Villarreal side did just that against Oviedo and they will believe they can once again ensure a top four or five finish this season. Girona head to El Madrigal with major issues as Michel now begins to come under pressure if the season starts as badly as it finished last year, and it could well be back-to-back defeats with Villarreal the firm favourites for this one, especially with their home advantage.
Villarreal vs Girona tip: Villarreal to win
