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Preview: Real Madrid head to Girona with top spot in their sights

Preview: Real Madrid head to Girona with top spot in their sights

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Girona host Real Madrid on Sunday evening as they hope to turn around a disastrous start to the campaign, while they face Xabi Alonso’s side, who are once again pushing for the title in LaLiga. 

By Matt Smith

Madrid got the better of Girona on both occasions last season, including a 2-0 victory on their own turf last time out. Vinícius Júnior and Luka Modrić found the back of the net on that day.

Team news

Girona are set to be without a host of players heading into this game, with their injury troubles continuing. Cristian Portu, David López, Donny van de Beek, Juan Carlos, Alejandro Francés, Daley Blind, Ricard Artero, Thomas Lemar and Vladyslav Krapyvtsov are all expected to miss out for the home side, leaving them with minimal options. 

Real Madrid have their own injury issues to contend with. Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão are unavailable, while Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba are among those who are doubts for the trip to Girona.

Girona struggling at the back

Only Real Oviedo and Levante have conceded more xG than Girona this season, and only Levante have conceded more goals than Michel’s side in LaLiga. From just 13 games, Girona have let in 25 goals, which is a key reason behind their struggles as they sit in the relegation zone heading into the weekend.

They’ve looked more impressive going forward, ranking 15th for goals scored and expected goals created, but it’s defensively where they have really struggled. A win could see them climb out of the relegation zone if results go their way, but star-studded Real Madrid will have something to say about that.

Alonso’s Madrid are frightening in attack

Alonso has added a little more spice to Madrid’s attack this season. The Spanish giants have had more touches inside the opposition box than any other side, while also creating more xG. 

Madrid have scored 2.2 goals per game so far, a figure only bettered by Barcelona. Two draws on the bounce hasn’t dented their early title chances, and they can move back above Barcelona, who won on Saturday, to go top of the table with three points at Girona.

Mbappé in the form of his life

Kylian Mbappé has been in stunning form under Alonso this season, scoring 23 times in just 21 appearances for the Spanish club. His phenomenal campaign hit new heights during the week as he struck four times against Olympiakos as Madrid secured a 4-3 victory in the Champions League. 

Stopping Mbappé will be just one of many tasks on the hands of Girona this weekend, but they’re certainly going to have their work cut out. The French international has failed to score in his last two LaLiga matches, but the four goals during the week could give him an added boost of confidence heading into this game. 

Prediction

A victory for Real Madrid will be expected despite a small blip in La Liga over the last couple of games. We’re going for a 3-1 victory to the away side. 

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the LaLiga with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Preview: Real Madrid head to Girona with top spot in their sights

Girona host Real Madrid on Sunday evening as they hope to turn around a disastrous start to the campaign, while they face Xabi Alonso’s side, who are once again pushing for the title in LaLiga. 

By Matt Smith

Madrid got the better of Girona on both occasions last season, including a 2-0 victory on their own turf last time out. Vinícius Júnior and Luka Modrić found the back of the net on that day.

Team news

Girona are set to be without a host of players heading into this game, with their injury troubles continuing. Cristian Portu, David López, Donny van de Beek, Juan Carlos, Alejandro Francés, Daley Blind, Ricard Artero, Thomas Lemar and Vladyslav Krapyvtsov are all expected to miss out for the home side, leaving them with minimal options. 

Real Madrid have their own injury issues to contend with. Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão are unavailable, while Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba are among those who are doubts for the trip to Girona.

Girona struggling at the back

Only Real Oviedo and Levante have conceded more xG than Girona this season, and only Levante have conceded more goals than Michel’s side in LaLiga. From just 13 games, Girona have let in 25 goals, which is a key reason behind their struggles as they sit in the relegation zone heading into the weekend.

They’ve looked more impressive going forward, ranking 15th for goals scored and expected goals created, but it’s defensively where they have really struggled. A win could see them climb out of the relegation zone if results go their way, but star-studded Real Madrid will have something to say about that.

Alonso’s Madrid are frightening in attack

Alonso has added a little more spice to Madrid’s attack this season. The Spanish giants have had more touches inside the opposition box than any other side, while also creating more xG. 

Madrid have scored 2.2 goals per game so far, a figure only bettered by Barcelona. Two draws on the bounce hasn’t dented their early title chances, and they can move back above Barcelona, who won on Saturday, to go top of the table with three points at Girona.

Mbappé in the form of his life

Kylian Mbappé has been in stunning form under Alonso this season, scoring 23 times in just 21 appearances for the Spanish club. His phenomenal campaign hit new heights during the week as he struck four times against Olympiakos as Madrid secured a 4-3 victory in the Champions League. 

Stopping Mbappé will be just one of many tasks on the hands of Girona this weekend, but they’re certainly going to have their work cut out. The French international has failed to score in his last two LaLiga matches, but the four goals during the week could give him an added boost of confidence heading into this game. 

Prediction

A victory for Real Madrid will be expected despite a small blip in La Liga over the last couple of games. We’re going for a 3-1 victory to the away side. 

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the LaLiga with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.