Match for the 6th round of the La Liga, at Montilivi, home of Girona.
Girona has not lost to Espanyol in a league match since 2019 (4 wins, 2 draws, 0 losses). Moreover, the last 4 of these matches were BTTS.
Girona - Espanyol Betting Tip
Girona are still on very, very shaky ground, looking for their first win of the season and a solution to their serious defensive problems. Espanyol have largely performed like a well-oiled machine so far.
We expect both teams to create chances, and we like BTTS, offered at 1.75.
- Prediction: BTTS
- Odds: 1.75
Girona
The 1-1 draw away at Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday has got to have left a bit of a bittersweet feeling for Girona. On one hand, it was by far their best performance of the season. On the other hand, they still were not able to win.
Girona stormed off the gates and were able to take the lead through a stunner by Ounahi. However, as the game progressed, Girona took a step back, allowing Bilbao to create chances.
The equaliser for the Basque side came shortly after the start of the second half, following an unforced Girona error. From that point, the team appeared content with getting a single point out of this game and ultimately did not try for anything more. It was the second point of the Giron for Girona, but they are without a single win after 8 games (0-6-2), conceding at least twice in 6 of them.
As a result, the game vs Espanyol is quickly becoming something close to a must-win, with manager Michel intensely under pressure. Girona have also lost 5 consecutive league home games, dating back to last season. Defenders Witsel and Vitor Reis are back from suspension, while starting midfielder van de Beek is injured.
Winger Tsygkankov is questionable, while midfielder Lemar is doubtful.
Espanyol
Espanyol proved a tough nut to crack in their away clash vs Valencia, coming away with a hard-fought 2-2 draw, and probably deserving more than that. They went down a goal in the 15th minute following a defensive error despite being the better team.
They ramped up the intensity after that, creating several chances for the equaliser, yet their final efforts were not up to par until the 59th minute. Cabrera scored in a set-piece situation to bring his team level, but that did not last, as Espanyol conceded through another set-piece.
They did not give up, and Espanyol’s perseverance bore fruit late in stoppage time. Puado’s header after yet another set piece found the mark. A consolation in a game where Espanyol were the superior side and created more chances than their opponents.
It was a strong response to their first defeat of the season and another sign that the team is aiming high this season. The tally of 11 points in 6 games is a good basis for a very positive league run. Starting forward Pere Milla is back in action, no other absences reported.
