Girona eager to end four-game winless run in weekend clash against Athletic.
Girona vs
Athletic Club
As Girona seeks to end a six-match winless streak in a challenging home clash against an in-form Athletic Club, the pressure mounts on manager Míchel to convert possession into a vital victory at Estadi Montilivi.
Girona
Girona were involved in midweek UEFA Champions League action, continuing their challenging start to the competition with a 3-2 defeat at home to Dutch side Feyenoord, after a 1-0 loss to PSG on Match Day 1. “There were 15 minutes that I didn't like at all, and that cost us two goals and a penalty,” Girona manager Míchel said after the Feyenoord defeat. “It's a shame because we had started well.”
The loss extended Girona's winless streak across all competitions to six matches [LLDDL], following a 1-1 draw away at Celta Vigo in their last league outing. Next up for Girona is a home game against Athletic Club, against whom they've improved their record in recent meetings with two wins, one draw, and one loss in their last four encounters.
If Girona fails to secure a victory on Sunday, it will be the first time since August 2023 that they've gone five or more games without a league win, with their current run standing at four winless matches [WLLDD]. Only Real Madrid [156] and Celta Vigo [138] have surpassed Girona’s ability to make 10+ passes in a single play this season, but Míchel aims for more attacking intent from his side. “We can't afford to pass the ball for the sake of passing it; that's useless,” he stated.
Girona is expected to field a 4—2—3—1 formation with Abel Ruiz upfront. However, they will be missing up to five players, including Viktor Tsygankov, who was injured against Feyenoord. "I'm worried about Viktor's injury because in one week we've lost very important players," Míchel commented after the Champions League defeat.
Athletic Club
Athletic Club picked up their first win of the current Europa League campaign with a 2-0 victory at home over Dutch side AZ Alkmaar. This result extended Ernesto Valverde's side's unbeaten run to six matches across all competitions, which includes a recent 1-1 draw against Sevilla in their last league match.
The Lions, who currently sit 5th with 14 points, will be aiming to extend their unbeaten run in the league to five matches when they visit Girona on Sunday. Athletic have managed to take points in two of their four trips to Girona, securing one win and one draw.
A 4—2—3—1 formation with Gorka Guruzeta leading the attack is expected. However, injuries have ruled out as many as three players, including Unai Simón, and Julen Agirrezabala is suspended.
