Girona Set to Challenge Barcelona in Thrilling Catalan Derby: Complete Match Preview and Predicted Lineups
Barcelona travel the short distance to face Girona on Monday evening, seeking to recover from their heaviest loss under Hansi Flick's management following their defeat to Atlético Madrid.
In a match where everything went wrong, Barcelona suffered a deserved 4–0 loss to a commanding Atlético side, effectively ending their Copa del Rey title hopes. This represents a significant blow to Barça's campaign, but the Catalan club must overcome this setback and respond to regain first place in La Liga from Real Madrid.
Girona occupied much of the season's opening period in the relegation zone, but recent encouraging results have propelled Michel's team to 15th position in the table. However, Girona remain only two points above the relegation zone, making any points gained from Barcelona's visit vital in the competitive battle against relegation.
Despite Girona's objectives, Flick's Barcelona must secure all three points from this away fixture. With nearly a complete week of rest awaiting them for the first time in 2026, Barcelona will be determined to return to winning form with an impressive display on Monday.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of this La Liga encounter.
What Time Does Girona vs. Barcelona Kick Off?
What Time Does Girona vs. Barcelona Kick Off?
Girona vs. Barcelona Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Girona vs. Barcelona Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Girona (DLDWW) | Barcelona (LWWWW) |
|---|---|
Sevilla 1–1 Girona | Atlético Madrid 4–0 Barcelona |
Real Oviedo 1–0 Girona | Barcelona 3–0 Mallorca |
Girona 1–1 Getafe | Albacete 1–2 Barcelona |
Espanyol 0–2 Girona | Elche 1–3 Barcelona |
Girona 1–0 Osasuna | Barcelona 4–1 Copenhagen |
How to Watch Girona vs. Barcelona on TV, Live Stream
How to Watch Girona vs. Barcelona on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States | ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Select, fuboTV, ESPN App |
United Kingdom | Premier Sports 1, Premier Sports Player |
Canada | TSN5, TSN+ |
Mexico | Sky Sports Mexico, Sky+ |
Girona Team News
Girona Team News
Injuries have decimated Girona throughout the season and the squad now faces Barcelona with several significant absentees.
Barcelona loanee Marc-André ter Stegen sustained a hamstring injury just two matches into his Girona stint. He joins Donny van de Beek, Cristian Portu, Richard Artero and Álex Romero among the key injury victims. Fran Beltran picked up a foot problem in their previous outing and his availability for Barcelona's visit remains doubtful.
Axel Witsel found the net against Barcelona in their latest encounter and may enter the starting eleven to cover for Beltran. Atlético Madrid loanee and former France international Thomas Lemar is also anticipated to receive the starting nod in the attacking midfielder position.
Manchester City loanee Claudio Echeverri has yet to make his first start for Girona since arriving at the club last month, but former Tottenham Hotspur player Bryan Gil is expected to feature on the left flank. In defense, Daley Blind will be responsible for marshaling Girona's backline.
Girona Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona
Girona Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona
Girona predicted lineup vs. Barcelona (4-4-2): Gazzaniga; Rincón, Reis, Blind, Martínez; Martín, Witsel; Tsyhankov, Lemar, Gil; Vanat
Barcelona Team News
Barcelona Team News
Despite the heavy defeat Barcelona suffered in midweek against Atlético Madrid, major alterations to the starting eleven are not anticipated, with Flick avoiding unnecessary risks while seeking an emphatic response.
Injuries also influence team selection, with Pedri ruled out. Marcus Rashford has not yet resumed training while managing a knee problem. Raphinha returned to practice on Saturday, but it may be premature to expect the Brazilian to start.
Dani Olmo is expected to continue on the left wing, with Fermín López operating centrally. Marc Casadó had a difficult midweek performance and fellow La Masia graduate Marc Bernal is likely to enter the lineup alongside Frenkie de Jong, providing some essential physicality to Barcelona's midfield.
The remainder of Barcelona's formation could stay consistent with what Flick utilized at the Metropolitano.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Girona
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Girona
Barcelona predicted lineup vs. Girona (4-3-3): García; Koundé, Cubarsí, García, Balde; De Jong, Bernal; Yamal, López, Olmo; Torres
Girona vs. Barcelona Score Prediction
Girona vs. Barcelona Score Prediction
Girona have shown marked improvement since the new year began, but Barcelona approach this fixture with something to prove, determined to bounce back after their midweek embarrassment in the Copa del Rey.
The away side will be concentrated and aggressive from the opening whistle, leading to a commanding performance against their Catalan rivals. Nevertheless, considering the condition of Flick's defensive line, it's difficult to imagine Girona being unable to trouble Barcelona.
The significant difference in quality will probably result in a one-sided victory, though Barcelona may still display evidence of their defensive vulnerabilities.
Prediction: Girona 1–4 Barcelona