Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the La Liga match.
The defeat to Paris Saint-Germain (0:1) in the first round of the Champions League showed that Girona know how to learn from setbacks against top teams. Valencia can no longer be considered as such: they have had a poor start to the season and, with Hugo Duro injured and Rafa Mir suspended, they lack strong attacking options.
Valencia
Valencia enter the sixth round of fixtures at the bottom of La Liga, with just one point. Following their defeat to Atlético Madrid (0:3), they accumulated a total of 10.42 xGA — only Las Palmas, who are second to last, have more (10.79). Besides the losses of the two forwards, there is also concern over the early substitution of key defensive midfielder Hugo Guillamón against Atlético Madrid — he may have picked up an injury before halftime. His potential absence would significantly weaken the team.
Girona
Girona have also suffered painful losses this season, but these can be attributed to changes in the squad; nonetheless, they have achieved quality victories, such as over Osasuna (4:0) and Sevilla (2:0). On Wednesday, the Catalans put up a fight against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris and nearly secured a draw — a goalkeeper mistake by Paulo Gazzaniga in the last minute spoiled it. In the Champions League, Miguel Sánchez didn't field his strongest lineup, so on Saturday, key players like Arnaut Danjuma, Yan Couto, Oriol Romeu, and Daley Blind will start.
Valencia vs Girona Prediction
Girona remain dangerous in the opponent’s half (8.20 xG — the seventh-best in La Liga), meaning Valencia's defence will have plenty of work in the upcoming battle. We are taking the reliable "Double Chance" for the Catalan side, who will not lose to the underdog.
