Verdict: Barcelona win & Both teams to score
Best Odds: 6/4
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
With Catalonia bragging rights up for grabs on Saturday afternoon, Barcelona will mark their return from October’s international break when they host local foes Girona.
Barcelona
Starting with the hosts, while Barcelona might have come flying out of the traps when opening up the new campaign back in August, Hansi Flick’s defending champions entered October’s international break in the midst of a public rut. Last seen getting completely blown away against Sevilla as they slumped to a shock 4-1 drumming, the former Bayern Munich boss is desperately seeking a much-welcomed boost here. Relinquishing their spot at the top of the La Liga standings and dethroned by arch-rivals Real Madrid, Barca will be searching for some defensive steel. Suffering last-gasp heartbreak against reigning European champions PSG on October 1st as they fell to a 2-1 loss, Flick’s side have registered just a sole clean sheet from their previous six matchups across all competitions.
Barcelona Team News
Suffering what has been another injury setback, Barcelona are once again expected to be without 18-year-old superstar Lamine Yamal on Saturday afternoon. Likewise, picking up a knock muscle injury earlier in the week, Polish record-breaker Robert Lewandowski faces a stint on the sidelines.
Making an immediate impact after completing a summer loan switch from Manchester United, England international Marcus Rashford will be looking to extend on his stellar start to life in Catalonia. With fellow summer recruit Joan Garcia still dealing with a recent knee issue, Wojciech Szczesny will start between the sticks.
Girona
As for the visitors, claiming what was an essential boost prior to October’s fortnight interval as they snatched a 2-1 victory at home against Valencia, Girona are desperate to use that gritty performance as a platform to build on. However, despite clinging to their La Liga status last season, it is no secret that Michel’s camp are widely regarded as a genuine relegation contender this time around. Getting the new campaign underway with a 3-1 drumming against Rayo Vallecano on August 15th, Saturday’s guests have recorded just a single win from any of their first eight La Liga appearances. Facing a monumental challenge when they travel across Catalonia here, Girona have gained a reputation for their glaring defensive struggles. Pencilled in as a landslide underdog this weekend, Michel’s leaky defence have already shipped 17 top-flight goals so far this season.
Girona Team News
Both shown respective second-half red cards against Valencia prior to October’s International break, the duo of Ivan Martin and Alejandro Frances will miss out through suspension here. All still dealing with respective injury issues, Girona will be without the likes of Juan Carlos, Thomas Lemar and former Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek.
Completing a summer loan switch from Manchester City, 19-year-old Vitor Reis will start at the heart of Michel’s defence. Notching a second La Liga strike against Los Ches last time out, summer recruit Vladislav Vanat will play a leading role in the final third.
Barcelona vs Girona Key Factors to Consider
When Barcelona and Girona last met back on March 30th, the defending La Liga champions stormed their way to a 4-1 victory on home soil.
In fact, Barca have won each of their previous two La Liga meetings against Girona by a 4-1 scoreline.
Barcelona have registered just a single clean sheet from their previous six appearances across all competitions.
Despite landing a 2-1 victory against Valencia prior to October’s international break, that is the only win that Girona have recorded from their first eight La Liga appearances.
Girona have shipped 17 La Liga strikes since opening up the new campaign and hold the worst defensive tally among Spain’s elite.
Conclusion
Suffering consecutive defeats prior to October’s fortnight interval, Barcelona will be desperate to dust themselves down and show no signs of a hangover here. Hoping to reclaim their spot at the top of the La Liga table, Flick’s side will certainly be smelling a golden opportunity this weekend. Landing consecutive 4-1 victories when they met their local rivals last season, the defending champions will be looking to make an empathic statement.
Verdict: Barcelona win & Both teams to score
Best Odds: 6/4
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F09%2Faaa-mg-68d6c1921d1c5462374990.jpg?w=350&resize=350,250&ssl=1 "Liverpool face ‘fresh competition’ from Serie A giants in")
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F09%2Faaa-mg-68d6c1921d1c5462374990.jpg?w=75&resize=75,75&ssl=1 "Liverpool face ‘fresh competition’ from Serie A giants in")
