In the previous one, Valverde’s team leaves as a favorite due to the collective and offensive potential that it possesses, which usually appears in any field of Spanish football. For this reason and even when the place is difficult to overcome between the lines, we believe that the visit has what it takes to manage the times and to win the game even if it’s a goal difference. At stake is to remain as a solid leader of the Santander League, trying to take advantage of the spaces Girona usually leaves when making collective transitions.
Girona:
The present of the Catalan team is not very good to say, after losing 3-2 against Betis as a visitor last Sunday. These days, he has 24 units in the general table, reaching to add draws and losses in his last 5 league appearances. The goal of the squad is to improve its production in all aspects of the game, otherwise it could be complicated by the direct descent. On this occasion, it is expected that the holders take their precautions from the initial whistle, as they can not risk too much. The logic indicates that they advance and that they fall back in blocks, in order to maintain the balance between lines. Only then, will have chances to complicate the “culés” and fight the game for much of the 90 minutes of play. Ideally, do not be affected by fatigue after visiting Real Madrid for the Copa del Rey.
As a local, Girona has collected markers not very encouraging so far, standing out for having problems to be reliable in their actions (2 wins, 5 draws and 3 falls). He has scored 11 goals and has given 14 on his fence, standing out for having problems of balance between lines. He needs to improve in defense if he wants to be more cohesive and productive in Montilivi. Rayo Vallecano has won 2-1 and won 4 straight (0-0 against Leganés, 1-1 with Atlético de Madrid, 1-1 with Getafe and 1-1 with Alavés). If we analyze these duels, we can affirm that the team usually reap adjusted results in their field, proving to be an intense and complicated one to overcome in spite of their soccer limitations.
Barcelona :
The picture “culé” comes quiet to this duel after beating Leganés at home and add 46 points in the general table. The team continues to accumulate victories in the Santander League, becoming a solid leader in the competition. He has taken 10 advantage to Real Madrid and 5 to Atlético de Madrid, his goal being to maintain this difference in the coming dates. A detail to consider is that the team does not shine too much, but it is extremely effective facing the opposing goal. Therefore, we should not be surprised if I reach the goal, whether I play well or badly. Of course, he has what it takes to score 2 goals in a short time, since his players can unbalance the score at any time. He will look to recover from the loss to Sevilla by the 4th of the Copa del Rey final (2-0 in the first leg).
As a visitor, Barcelona has registered acceptable results, product of 6 wins, 2 matches and 1 loss. He has converted 20 goals and has received 8 in his goal, standing out for being effective in attack and relatively solid in defensive matters. It comes to beat Rayo Vallecano 2-3, to equal 1-1 with Atlético de Madrid, to overcome 0-4 to Espanyol in the Catalan derby, to crush 0-5 to Levante and to beat 1-2 to the always rough Getafe. Apparently, the picture “culé” is maintaining an important regularity away from Nou Camp, reaching to thrashing some rivals. Of course, this effectiveness depends a lot on the level that Messi and Suárez can show from midfield forward.
PREDICTION: Barcelona to win @ 1.35
