GIRONA vs FC BARCELONA: Preview, Team News and Prediction

After a well-fought come back in a win against Valencia, Barcelona face their final stern test in the form of Girona away from home. A place in next season's Spanish super cup is on the line and the Catalans know that a positive result at the Montilivi will more or less ascertain their place, meaning a shot at another trophy and additional cash infusion.

Barcelona were a much the better team in the 4-2 chaotic win vs Valencia on Monday. Two howlers from Ter Stegen and Araújo led to Barcelona trailing 2-1 at halftime after Fermín had headed home the opening goal to put the Catalans in-front. However, Valencia were reduced to 10 men owing to a handball outside the box from their goalkeeper. Barcelona took advantage of having an extra man and Lewandowski netted home a brilliant second half hat-trick which included a sumptuous stoppage time free-kick.

Girona secured a 2-0 victory away at Las Palmas last weekend to further solidify their position in the top 4 and to mount the pressure on Barcelona in their bid to finish 2nd. Artem Dovbyk scored for the 19th time in La Liga and is well on course to grab an unprecedented Pichichi award.

Girona ran riot at the Montjuïc when the two teams last faced in December. Christian Stuani's stoppage time strike brought an end to a 4-2 humbling defeat for Xavi's men. Their inability to bury promising attacks was on display and came back to bite them come the final whistle.

Girona have scored the second most number of goals in La Liga this season, only two behind leaders Real Madrid and are set to finish a historic campaign by qualifying for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the club's history. Barcelona, on the other hand, are destined to finish trophyless for the second time in 3 seasons. However, their young squad have had enough encouragement from the re-emergence of La Masia stalwarts and manager Xavi would be looking to fine tune the squad ahead of next season.

TEAM NEWS

FC BARCELONA

Barcelona have no injury crisis of their own and will be unleashing their first choice 11. Fermín López, despite scoring against Valencia, might have to make way for Pedri in midfield. The coach took Christensen off at halftime in his previous two match days, citing precautionary measures, but he should be fit enough to start this tie. Araújo and Cubarsí were caught off guard against Valencia from a couple of long balls but should keep their place in the lineup. The front 3 of Raphinha, Yamal and Lewandowski have been on fire in recent weeks and would be of paramount importance if Barcelona are to guarantee their second spot.

Predicted XI (4-3-3);

Marc-André ter Stegen, Joules Koundé, Ronald Araújo, Pau Cubarsí, João Cancelo, Andres Christensen, İlkay Gündoğan, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha

GIRONA

Girona under Michel have caught the eye across Europe and will be looking to cause another upset in-front of their home faithful. Manager Michel has a fit squad to choose from and would essentially play the same 11 which grabbed a 2-0 victory away at Las Palmas last weekend. Eric García, in his newly found right back role, would be looking to impress against his parent club to force his way into the Barcelona squad next season.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1);

Paulo Gazzaniga; Eric García, David López, Daley Blind, Miguel Gutiérrez; Yangel Herrera, Aleix García; Yan Couto, Iván Martín, Sávio; Artem Dovbyk

PREDICTION

Girona, having won 13 times from their 16 home games, have turned Montilivi into a fortress. Their only loss was a one of 3-0 affair against Real Madrid and they will be riding high on confidence with a belief that they could do a double over their Catalan counterparts. With two sets of attacks full of talent, we expect an end to end game with lots of goals and entertainment.

GIRONA 2-3 FC BARCELONA