Girona vs Real Sociedad Match Preview
Tournament – La Liga
Date – Sunday, February 4
Kick-off Time – 01:30 pm IST
Venue – Montilivi Stadium
Girona have been flying this season and sit atop the La Liga table after 22 games. They are a point above Real Madrid, who have a game in hand. Girona have lost just once in the league this season, drawn four, and won 17 games so far.
They did, however, suffer a disappointment recently as they were eliminated from the Copa del Rey quarter-final, losing 3-2 against Mallorca.
This could perhaps be a blessing in disguise though, as they can now focus solely on competing in La Liga. They will next host Real Sociedad, who started the season brilliantly but have been inconsistent since.
They are sixth in the table, eight points behind fourth-placed Barcelona, who have a game in hand. They’re likely to compete for the UEFA Europa League places.
Real Sociedad have also reached the Copa del Rey semi-finals where they will face Mallorca over two legs. They are also alive in the UEFA Champions League, where they’ll take on Paris Saint-Germain in the Round of 16.
Also Read: Atletico Madrid vs Rayo Vallencano Preview and Prediction
Team News
Girona are without Eric Garcia, David Lopez, and Juanpe for the clash against Real Sociedad due to their respective injuries. Toni Villa also remains out due to his ACL injury.
Meanwhile, Real Sociedad are without Aihen Munoz for the remainder of the season after his recent ACL injury. They are also without Ander Barrenetxea, Arsen Zakharyan, and Carlos Fernandez for the upcoming clash due to their injuries.
They are also missing Takefuso Kubo due to his participation in the AFC Asian Cup with Japan.
Predicted Lineups
Girona:
Goalkeeper: Paulo Gazzaniga
Defenders: Miguel Gutierrez, Daley Blind, Arnau Martinez, Yan Couto
Midfielders: Aleix Garcia, Yangel Herrera, Christian Portu
Attackers: Savio, Artem Dobvyk, Viktor Tsigankov
Real Sociedad:
Goalkeeper: Alex Remiro
Defenders: Igor Zubeldia, Robin Le Normand, Jon Pacheco, Jon Aramburu, Javi Galan
Midfielders: Benat Turrientes, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Oyarzabal
Attackers: Umar Sadiq, Andre Silva
Head-to-Head
Girona haven’t won even once in their seven meetings with Real Sociedad. Five of their clashes have ended in a draw while Sociedad have won twice.
Both of their last two encounters finished in a draw.
Last five results:
Real Sociedad 1-1 Girona – La Liga – August 12, 2023
Real Sociedad 2-2 Girona – La Liga – May 13, 2023
Girona 3-5 Real Sociedad – La Liga – October 2, 2022
Girona 0-0 Real Sociedad – La Liga – February 26, 2019
Real Sociedad 0-0 Girona – La Liga – October 23, 2018
Also Read: La Liga Top Scorers: Players with the most goals after Matchweek 22
Prediction
Girona have been excellent this season and have just two defeats across competitions. They lost to Real Madrid back in September and then recently against Mallorca in the Copa del Rey.
They beat Celta Vigo 1-0 away in their last game.
Meanwhile, Real Sociedad have also lost just once in their last 17 games across competitions. They played out a goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano at home in La Liga in their last game.
There is little to separate between the two sides but home advantage could help Girona just nick all three points.
Predicted Score: Girona 3-2 Real Sociedad
Odds (subject to change)
Girona win – 2.27
Real Sociedad win – 3.54
Draw – 3.60
Odds source – Oddspedia.com
Players to Watch Out For
Girona
The key player for Girona will be their top scorer this season – Artem Dovbyk. The Ukrainian striker is joint top on the La Liga goalscoring charts with 14 goals in 21 games and has also provided five assists this season.
He recently scored a six-minute hat-trick in Girona’s 5-1 win over Sevilla.
Real Sociedad
For Real Sociedad, the player to watch out for would be Mikel Oyarzabal. The Spanish midfielder has scored eight goals and provided one assist in 21 La Liga games this season.
He hasn’t provided a goal contribution in his last two league games and will look to break that streak against Girona.
Where to Watch
- India – Jio Cinema, Sports 18
- UK – ITV
- US – ESPN+
- Spain- DAZN