Second takes on third this weekend when Barcelona travels to Girona on Saturday evening. Girona recorded their twenty-second league victory from thirty-three league appearances and will undoubtedly exchange blows with Barcelona.
To win (90 min)
Girona 37/20
Draw 26/10
Barcelona 5/4
Girona
After a dip in form, Girona has experienced a slight turnaround and come into this one on the back of four victories across their previous six league appearances. They find themselves just two points behind title chasers Barcelona and are seven points ahead of Spanish heavyweights Atletico Madrid, who occupy the final Champions League spot.
Girona put four past Barca in the reverse fixture, earlier this season. Artem Dovbyk is no stranger to extra responsibility up front this season and has returned five goals from his previous four league appearances. Miguel Gutierrez picked up two assists from left-back against Cadiz a fortnight ago, with the team’s Ukrainian striker being the beneficiary of one of them. The duo will be brimming with confidence going into the Barcelona clash, having both scored in the first half against Barca, back in December.
Last time out, Girona took full advantage of a Las Palmas side that have been blowing hot and cold all season long. Daley Blind and David Lopez were the centre-back pairing for Girona’s previous three league fixtures and whilst they have remained firm, they will have their work cut out for them in this one.
Barcelona
We have to address the elephant in the room – Xavi has reversed his decision to leave the club and will see out his current contract at the helm of Barcelona. Since he announced that he would step down at the end of the season, his side has snapped into gear and has chased Real Madrid from second place since the turn of the year.
The Blaugrana welcomed Valencia earlier this week, as they remain determined to end the season as strongly as possible. Robert Lewandowski flexed his muscles as he netted his maiden La Liga hat trick and guided the home side to a comeback win over Los Ches.
Barcelona remains second in La Liga, 11 points behind Real Madrid with five games remaining. They are only two points ahead of Girona in third, but I think they will put some daylight between them and Michel’s men this weekend.
Verdict: Barcelona
The Catalonia outfit has a much spritelier attack. Their Polish talisman, Robert Lewandowski, comes into this one with a hat trick to his name. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has been an ever-present threat down the flank. Furthermore, Fermin Lopez has scored in back-to-back league outings and could be a considerable weapon off the bench for Xavi in this one. All signs point to a victory for revived Barcelona!
Written by Desh Parthab.