Espanyol vs. Girona Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 10 March 2025 - bettingexpert

Monday night brings us an intriguing LaLiga clash as Espanyol faces Girona at the RCDE Stadium, concluding the 27th round. Despite their positions near the bottom of the standings—Espanyol sitting 15th with 27 points and Girona 14th with 32 points—this match has significant implications for both teams as they strive to pull away from the relegation zone.

Espanyol comes into this game unbeaten in their last seven home matches, which boosts their confidence. Moreover, their recent form includes a notable away win against Alaves. Goalkeeper Joan Garcia has been in fine form, drawing the attention of big clubs like Arsenal and Barcelona.

On the other hand, Girona has been struggling on the road, losing their last four away matches. Despite having a more quality squad and bookies favouring them, their recent form raises questions. Notably, Abel Ruiz, their top scorer, is out due to injury, putting more pressure on Bojan Miovski to deliver upfront.

With both teams showing defensive vulnerabilities, expect a high-scoring affair. Considering Espanyol’s good home record and Girona’s away troubles, the odds of 3.24 for a home win provide great value.

Referee Adrian Cordero might keep the game lively with an average of 4.7 yellow cards given per match this season.

Espanyol vs Girona Prediction & Betting Tip

Espanyol vs Girona Prediction
Betting Tip	Odds
Espanyol to Win	3.24

Espanyol’s home unbeaten streak and Girona’s poor away form suggest that Espanyol has a decent chance to secure three points.

• Home Advantage: Espanyol is unbeaten in their last seven home matches, which will definitely boost their confidence.
• Girona’s Away Struggles: Girona has lost their last four away matches, indicating significant difficulties on the road.
• Key Injuries: Girona’s top scorer, Abel Ruiz, is out with a muscle injury, weakening their attack.

Predicting a home win at odds of 3.24 is an excellent value bet given the circumstances.

Espanyol vs Girona Odds

Espanyol vs Girona Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Espanyol	3.24
Draw	3.15
Girona	2.33

The odds suggest Girona is the favorite, with odds of 2.33 for a win. However, Espanyol’s unbeaten streak at home, coupled with Girona’s away struggles, could see the home side spring a surprise. The odds of 3.24 for an Espanyol win offer good value, especially given Girona’s recent form on the road. With both teams averaging goals and having defensive vulnerabilities, betting on a draw at 3.15 could also be a prudent option.

Espanyol Team Analysis

Espanyol Recent Performance

Espanyol have shown a mixed bag of results in their last five matches, but their home form has been particularly impressive. With an unbeaten streak of seven home games, they are certainly a tough nut to crack at the RCDE Stadium.
Here’s how they’ve fared recently:

Home team	Away team	Result
Deportivo Alaves	Espanyol	0-1 (Win)
Espanyol	Athletic Club	1-1 (Draw)
Real Sociedad	Espanyol	2-1 (Loss)
Espanyol	Real Madrid	1-0 (Win)
Sevilla	Espanyol	1-1 (Draw)

Espanyol’s recent performance shows they’ve managed 2 clean sheets in their last 5 games while averaging 1.00 goal per match. This solid defensive form should serve them well against a struggling Girona.

Additionally, Espanyol have benefited from contributions throughout the lineup, especially with Javier Puado leading with 8 goals this season. The team’s cohesion and home advantage could be key in gaining valuable points tonight.

Espanyol Key Players

Espanyol will be relying heavily on their key players to make an impact against Girona. Leading the charge is their top scorer, Javier Puado, who has netted 8 goals this season. His ability to find the back of the net will be crucial against a Girona defence that has struggled recently.

In goal, Joan Garcia has been attracting significant attention, not just for his performances but also for being on the radar of top European clubs. His shot-stopping ability will be pivotal for Espanyol’s defensive fortitude.

The midfield dynamo duo of Pol Lozano and Urko González de Zárate will aim to control the game’s tempo, while fullbacks Omar El Hilali and Carlos Romero will be key in both defence and supporting the attack.

Expected lineup for Espanyol:

• Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia
• Defenders: Omar El Hilali, Marash Kumbulla, Leandro Cabrera, Carlos Romero
• Midfielders: Pol Lozano, Urko González de Zárate, Jofre Carreras, Alex Kral, Javier Puado
• Forward: Roberto Fernández Jaén

Keep an eye on the battle between Puado and Girona’s defenders, particularly against the experienced Daley Blind.

Espanyol Suspensions & Injuries

Espanyol will be dealing with a few injury concerns leading into the match against Girona, which could impact their squad depth and performance.

Player	Injury	Expected return
José Gragera	Broken finger	Potential return Doubtful
Fernando Pacheco	Thigh injury	Mid March 2025
Pablo Ramón	Cruciate ligament injury	Unknown

The absence of Fernando Pacheco, a key defensive figure, will likely impact Espanyol’s backline stability. Additionally, Pablo Ramón’s long-term injury means limited defensive options for coach Manolo González.
In the midfield, José Gragera is doubtful, which might necessitate tactical adjustments to compensate for his potential absence.
These injury challenges could test the depth and resilience of Espanyol’s squad, especially against a Girona side looking for a much-needed win.

Espanyol Tactics and Formation

Espanyol Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Roberto Fernández Jaén
• Midfield Trio: Pol Lozano, Urko González de Zárate, Alex Kral
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Strong emphasis on defensive solidity and counter-attacking.

Espanyol’s coach, Manolo González, has shown a preference for the 4-2-3-1 formation. This setup allows them to maintain a solid defensive foundation while having the flexibility to transition quickly into attack.

With Javier Puado as the attacking midfielder and Urko González de Zárate and Pol Lozano anchoring the midfield, Espanyol is primed to control the tempo. Roberto Fernández is the focal point upfront, looking to convert chances created by the creative midfield trio.

Expect Espanyol to capitalize on home advantage, leveraging their unbeaten run at the RCDE Stadium and aiming to exploit Girona’s recent defensive lapses.

Girona Team Analysis

Girona Recent Performance

In their last five games, Girona’s form has been shaky. They have managed only one draw and suffered four losses, indicating a rough patch. These results leave them looking to bounce back strongly.

Home team	Away team	Result
Girona	Celta Vigo	2-2 (Draw)
Real Madrid	Girona	2-0 (Loss)
Girona	Getafe	1-2 (Loss)
Athletic Club	Girona	3-0 (Loss)
Girona	Las Palmas	2-1 (Win)

Girona has averaged one goal per game in their last five outings, showing some offensive capability. However, they’ve struggled defensively, failing to keep a single clean sheet.
With a recent dip in form and a tough challenge ahead, Girona will aim to tighten up at the back and find ways to turn their fortunes around.

Girona Key Players

Girona’s lineup features a host of players who can give Espanyol trouble at RCDE Stadium.
Expected lineup for Girona:

• Goalkeeper: Paulo Gazzaniga
• Defenders: David Lopez, Ladislav Krejčí, Daley Blind
• Midfielders: Arnau Martínez, Yangel Herrera, Donny van de Beek, Miguel Gutiérrez
• Attackers: Viktor Tsygankov, Bryan Gil, Bojan Miovski

Notably, their top scorer Abel Ruiz, with 4 goals, might be missed due to a muscle injury. This puts extra pressure on Bojan Miovski to find the net.
Pay attention to Bryan Gil on the left wing, who can challenge Espanyol’s right-back Omar El Hilali. Viktor Tsygankov’s vision and creativity from the right will look to exploit any defensive lapses by Espanyol.

Girona Suspensions & Injuries

Here’s the current status of Girona’s suspensions and injuries, which could impact their performance:

Player	Injury	Expected return
Abel Ruiz	Muscle injury	Mid March 2025
Oriol Romeu	Physical discomfort	Doubtful

Despite the relatively short injured list, the absence of Abel Ruiz, their top scorer, might prove significant. His muscle injury puts pressure on Bojan Miovski to lead the attack.

Oriol Romeu’s condition, being doubtful, raises concerns about midfield stability. Coach Miguel Ángel Sánchez might need to tweak his midfield setup if Romeu is unable to participate.

Girona Tactics and Formation

Girona’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Bojan Miovski
• Midfield Trio: Yangel Herrera, Donny van de Beek, Viktor Tsygankov
• Defensive Setup: Krejčí, David Lopez, Daley Blind, Paulo Gazzaniga

Miguel Angel Sanchez is expected to deploy a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to exploit width and speed on the flanks with Viktor Tsygankov and Bryan Gil. Yangel Herrera and Donny van de Beek will attempt to control the midfield, providing both defensive stability and attacking support.

Defensively, with the experienced trio of Krejčí, David Lopez, and Daley Blind, they aim to remain tight at the back, although recent results indicate potential vulnerabilities. Maintaining structure and winning key midfield battles will be crucial for them to turn their fortunes around in this game.

Espanyol vs Girona Head-to-Head Statistics

Home	Away	Result
Girona	Espanyol	4-1
Girona	Espanyol	2-1
Espanyol	Girona	2-2
Girona	Espanyol	1-0
Espanyol	Girona	1-2

In their last five meetings, Girona has had the upper hand, winning four encounters and drawing once. Espanyol will look to break this trend, especially as Girona’s recent form on the road has stumbled.

Each game contributes a chapter to their ongoing rivalry. This match promises to add another exciting installment.

Odds accurate as of 10/03/2025 11:08, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.