Form and Line-up Girona
Girona are going through a severe crisis in terms of performances at the most crucial moment of the season. The home team’s winless run under Michel has stretched to five matches, including two painful home defeats in a row. The main problem remains a lack of creativity in attack (xG of only 1.26 per game) and chronic failures in defence, which concedes an average of 1.5 goals. The situation is exacerbated by injuries: on-loan goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and top scorer Vladyslav Vanat are out until the end of the season, forcing Michel to rely on veteran Cristhian Stuani.
Key numbers Girona:
In 12 of the previous 15 matches, Michel’s team have conceded in the second half.
In four of the last six matches at Montilivi, the total over 2.5 goals has been beaten.
Girona have beaten Real Sociedad only once in the last 11 head-to-head meetings (six draws and four defeats).
Probable line-up (4-2-3-1): Paulo Gazzaniga — Arnau Martinez, Vitor Reis, Daley Blind, Alex Moreno — Axel Witsel, Ivan Martin — Viktor Tsygankov, Azzedine Ounahi, Bryan Gil — Claudio Echeverri.
Absentees: Juan Carlos, Donny van de Beek, Portu, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Vladyslav Vanat (all injured).
Form and Line-up Real Sociedad
After their triumph in the Copa del Rey, Real Sociedad have noticeably relaxed, collecting only two points in the last four rounds. Nevertheless, the visitors remain a very dangerous opponent thanks to excellent attacking output (54 goals this season). However, there is a serious problem in defence — 55 goals conceded, a figure on the level of La Liga’s relegation candidates. The motivation of Real Sociedad is also low: European competition is already secured, and their away form is far from impressive (only three wins in 17 away league matches).
Key numbers Real Sociedad:
Fifty-five goals conceded — the fourth-worst record in the league.
In four of the last five away matches (including the cup), the bet “both teams to score – Yes” has come in.
Mikel Oyarzabal has scored 15 goals and is the team’s leading marksman.
Probable line-up (4-2-3-1): Alex Remiro — Jon Aramburu, Jon Martin, Duje Caleta-Car, Aihen Munoz — Carlos Soler, Benat Turrientes — Pablo Marin, Luka Sucic, Ander Barrenetxea — Mikel Oyarzabal.
Absentees: Alvaro Odriozola (injury), Orri Oskarsson (suspension), Igor Zubeldia, Goncalo Guedes, Jon Karrikaburu (doubts).
