Barcelona will look to increase their sturdy kind as they host Catalan rivals Girona at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys this Sunday afternoon.
Fresh off a commanding 3-0 victory over Osasuna, Barcelona sits three factors clear on the high of La Liga, whereas Girona, struggling this season, occupies thirteenth place with 34 factors from 28 matches.
Impressive run
The Blaugrana’s dominant 3-0 win over Osasuna on Thursday marked their fifth consecutive victory throughout all competitions.
Goals from Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, and Robert Lewandowski ensured a clean win within the rearranged fixture.
This consequence, coupled with Real Madrid’s latest slip-up, has given Hansi Flick’s males a beneficial three-point cushion on the high of the desk.
However, Barcelona’s triumph may face a possible problem.
Osasuna are investigating whether or not Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez was eligible for the match.
Under FIFA laws, gamers who withdraw from nationwide crew obligation as a consequence of damage should wait 5 days earlier than taking part in for his or her golf equipment.
Martinez withdrew from Spain’s squad for a UEFA Nations League quarterfinal as a consequence of a knee subject.
Despite this, Barcelona are assured they obtained permission from the Spanish nationwide crew to subject Martinez, and any retroactive penalty appears unlikely.
Copa and Champions League duties
Barcelona’s title aspirations prolong past La Liga.
They will face Atletico Madrid within the second leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal subsequent week, with the tie delicately poised at 4-4.
A tricky schedule follows with a La Liga conflict towards Real Betis earlier than a Champions League quarterfinal towards Borussia Dortmund on April 9.
With a possible treble on the road, Barcelona should hold their focus sharp.
Girona’s struggles
Girona, however, has had a far harder season.
After a unprecedented 2023-24 marketing campaign that noticed them end third, the White and Reds are actually preventing to remain away from relegation.
With 34 factors, they sit thirteenth, simply seven factors above the relegation zone and 10 factors behind sixth-placed Real Betis, which leaves European soccer subsequent season trying unlikely except they mount an sudden restoration.
Girona are unbeaten of their final three matches however have solely gained as soon as in all competitions since Jan. 11, with 5 defeats of their final 9 La Liga outings.
Their final match was a 1-1 draw with Valencia on March 15.
Recent historical past
The two groups have met simply 10 instances in La Liga, with Girona having gained twice, together with a shocking double final season.
However, Barcelona have typically dominated this fixture, together with a 4-1 win earlier this season.
Historically, the Catalan giants have averaged greater than three objectives per recreation towards their neighbors.
Tactical evaluation
Barcelona will welcome again Raphinha, who missed the Osasuna match as a consequence of worldwide commitments.
The Brazilian winger is anticipated to begin on the left.
Pau Cubarsi has recovered from a minor ankle damage sustained through the worldwide break, whereas Ronald Araujo, who was an unused substitute towards Osasuna, gives one other defensive possibility.
However, Barcelona will likely be with out Dani Olmo, who sustained an adductor damage towards Osasuna and is anticipated to be sidelined for 3 weeks.
Robert Lewandowski is anticipated to return to the beginning lineup after being rested on Thursday. Several key gamers stay unavailable, together with Andreas Christensen, Marc Casado, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Marc Bernal.
Girona’s damage listing consists of Abel Ruiz, Jhon Solis, and Ivan Martin, whereas Donny van de Beek is suspended as a consequence of a yellow card picked up of their earlier match.
Martin’s absence may immediate supervisor Michel to tweak his midfield, with Oriol Romeu doubtlessly coming into the aspect.
Upfront, Cristhian Stuani, who has scored 4 instances towards Barcelona for Girona, may earn a begin after his latest aim within the draw with Valencia.
Source: www.dailysabah.com