Girona vs Barcelona: Match preview, predicted line-ups, team news and prediction | OneFootball

Barcelona head to the Estadi Montilivi on Monday evening to face off against Girona in La Liga.

They will be aiming to reclaim top spot in La Liga with a win, while their hosts are seeking to pull further clear of the relegation zone.

Match preview

Having previously won six straight matches across all competitions, Barcelona were sent crashing back down to earth courtesy of a 4-0 Copa del Rey defeat to Atletico Madrid.

A disastrous Eric Garcia own goal seven minutes in opened the floodgates, after which Antoine Griezmann, Ademola Lookman and Julian Alvarez netted in the first half to sink Hansi Flick’s men.

On the bright side, Barcelona still have 90 minutes to pull off what is a highly improbable comeback in next month’s second leg, but they have three league clashes to navigate before then.

Real Madrid’s 4-2 victory over Real Sociedad on Saturday means Barcelona head into Monday’s clash against Girona in second place, further heightening the need for maximum points.

With victories in each of the last three meetings, Flick’s men have done a number on their Catalan rivals since his appointment and will be confident of emerging victorious once again.

After winning three straight matches at the start of 2026, Girona looked to have put a torrid festive period behind them, but that has not proven to be the case.

Michel’s men have managed just two points from the last nine available following a 1-1 draw against Sevilla last time out, where Thomas Lemar’s early opener was wiped out by Kike Salas in stoppage time.

Currently just three points clear of the drop zone, Los Tossuts are embroiled in a relegation scrap for a second season running since finishing third in the 2023-24 campaign.

Monday’s hosts will need to up the ante at the top end of the pitch to stand any chance of securing a positive result against the league’s highest scoring team.

Match preview

Girona keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is ineligible to play against his parent club, although that is academic as he is currently out with a hamstring problem.

Juan Carlos and Portu are ruled out due to knee injuries, while Donny van de Beek is still nursing an Achilles tendon issue.

Alex Moreno (muscle), Azzedine Ounahi (calf) and Ricard Artero (ankle) round off the hosts’ absentees.

Gavi, Andreas Christensen and Marcus Rashford are nursing knee problems and will miss the game for Barcelona. Pedri (muscle) is also out.

However, the league leaders will be able to call upon Raphinha once again following his recovery from a thigh issue.

Girona Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Gazzaniga; Martinez, Blind, Reis, Rincon; Martin, Witsel; Gil, Lemar, Tsygankov; Vanat.

Barcelona Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): J Garcia; Balde, Cubarsi, E Garcia, Kounde; Casado, De Jong; Olmo, Fermin, Yamal; Lewandowski.

Prediction: Girona 1-3 Barcelona.