Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the La Liga match.
Both teams are under pressure: Athletic Bilbao’s bright start has been halted by three straight defeats, while Girona have slipped to the bottom of the standings. Even so, Athletic Bilbao have the edge in quality.
Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao create plenty of chances, but the finishing has been poor. In their last three matches the team did not score a single goal despite generating 1.91 xG. In the game against Valencia (0:2), the sending-off of Daniel Vivian and the absence of Nico Williams significantly blunted their attacking threat, which led to defeat. However, against Girona, Athletic Bilbao have a favourable record — four wins in five, including at home, with an aggregate score of 11:5.
Girona
Girona have endured a woeful start to the season: four defeats and one draw, only two goals scored and 15 conceded. In the match with Levante UD (0:4), the team looked weak even at eleven v eleven, and after the sendings-off of Axel Witsel and José Antonio Reyes they collapsed completely. Girona are losing the battle in the centre of the pitch, are committing glaring errors in defence, and are short on creativity in attack. So far they have not looked cohesive, and the squad are packed with cast-offs and players lacking match fitness.
Athletic Bilbao vs Girona Prediction
Despite the current downturn, Athletic Bilbao are clearly stronger and should dominate at San Mamés. Girona’s defence is porous, and their attack offers little threat. The hosts are expected to exploit the visitors’ crisis and claim victory to take three points.
