Girona will host Arsenal in the Champions League at the Estadi Motilivi in a game that means very little to one side and plenty to the other. The Spanish outfit have already succumbed to an early exit, while the Gunners could secure their place in the next round.
By Matt Smith
This will be the first time the two sides have met in their history, with it being the first season Girona have ever competed in the Champions League. The Gunners are currently sitting in third place in the table and need just one point to ensure their place in the final 16.
Tottenham loanee will miss out
Girona coach Michel will be without tricky attacker Bryan Gil for the clash with Arsenal after the Tottenham loanee picked up his third yellow card of the competition, meaning he will serve a one-game ban.
Paulo Gazzaniga and Daley Blind both suffered injuries against Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga last time out, so they might not be available for this one.
Girona’s lack of pressing won’t suit Arsenal
Arsenal have struggled at times this season against sides who sit deep and look to absorb the pressure. Girona have set up just like that in their debut Champions League appearance, rarely pressing high up the pitch and allowing opposition teams to play.
In fact, no side in the competition has won possession in the final third than Girona, doing so just 2.4 times per game. In possession, Girona will look to keep the ball, but without it, they could frustrate an Arsenal side who will be desperate to secure the three points.
Arteta will be sweating on Ødegaard readiness
Martin Ødegaard missed Arsenal’s trip to Wolves last time out, alongside Mikel Merino. The duo had been involved in recent weeks, but were unexpectedly absent from their previous match in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta will be hoping they’ve shaken off their troubles and will be available to face Girona.
Long-term absentees Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Jesus, and Bukayo Saka will all be unavailable for the Gunners as they continue their recovery from injury.
Havertz flying high in Europe
Despite some inconsistent form in the Premier League, Kai Havertz has been prolific in front of goal in the Champions League. The German international has scored four times overall, finding the back of the net in three consecutive games.
With Jesus out injured at the moment, there is plenty of pressure on the shoulders of Havertz. The Gunners are yet to sign a new centre-forward in the January transfer window, so it’s an opportunity for the former Bayer Leverkusen man to prove that he’s the man to lead the line for Arteta for the rest of the campaign.
Prediction
Arsenal should have too much quality for Girona. Arteta’s side are playing for qualification, while it’s a meaningless game for Girona due to the Spanish side already being eliminated.
We’re going for a 2-0 victory to the Premier League giants.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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