Girona vs Arsenal – Match preview and team news

The Football Faithful

Wed, Jan 29, 2025, 5:16 a.m.·3 min read

Girona vs Arsenal – Match preview and team news

Arsenal’s final game of the Champions League league phase sees them travel to Spanish outfit Girona.

Although not mathematically guaranteed to advance into the last 16, Arsenal’s superior goal difference and three-point gap between ninth position means it is highly likely even a defeat would send them through.

Mikel Merino is a doubt for tonight’s game with a knock. Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Bukayo Saka are all anticipated to return to action over the next few weeks.

⚫️ 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛𝘿𝘼𝙔 🔴
🆚 Girona
🕗 8pm (UK)
🏆 Champions League
🏟 Estadi Municipal de Montilivi pic.twitter.com/2LHOBqMQ2R
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 29, 2025

Girona have nothing to play for but pride after their exit from Europe’s elite competition was confirmed last week.

Tottenham loanee Bryan Gil is suspended after collecting too many cautions. He joins another Spurs alumni member Paulo Gazzaniga on the sidelines after the Argentine stopper was forced off at the interval against Rayo Vallecano on the weekend. Daley Blind also isn’t expected to feature.

Girona vs Arsenal – Match preview and team news

Form

Girona: WWLLL

Girona’s 1-0 loss against Milan last Wednesday meant the prospect of making the playoffs became impossible.

Rafael Leao scored the decisive goal of the game at the San Siro to fend off a spirited Girona side.

The La Liga club have only picked up three points in seven games in their debut Champions League campaign. That historic victory came against Slovan Bratislava with Michel’s team winning 2-0 in Spain. Ultimately, poor submissions to Feyenoord and Sturm Graz have resigned Girona to elimination.

After finishing third in the Spanish top flight last term, the Blanquivermells are taking a different course this term. Despite lying in eighth position, they are only eight points above the relegation zone, such is the tight nature of the league.

A late quick-fire brace from substitute Randy Nteka resulted in Girona losing 2-1 to Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. That was their third successive loss in all competitions.

Arsenal: DWDWW

Arsenal dealt with adverse and controversial circumstances to clinch a slender victory away to Wolves on Saturday.

Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off for a cynical challenge that generated plenty of discussion about the severity of the punishment. The red card has since been rescinded following a review.

However, Wolves were also reduced to ten men after Joao Gomes saw red and Mikel Arteta’s players took advantage.

Riccardo Calafiori’s accurate finish was enough to see Arsenal remain in second position in the Premier League.

The Gunners climbed back into third in the Champions League table last week with a resounding 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb. A comfortable display in North London saw Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard get on the scoresheet.

Last Meeting: N/A

Tonight’s meeting will be the first encounter between Girona and Arsenal.

Predicted Lineups

Girona: P.Lopez; Martinez, D.Lopez, Juanpe, Frances; Portu, Martin, Romeu, Solis, Tsigankov; Stuani

Arsenal: Neto; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Calafiori; Jorginho, Rice; Sterling, Nwaneri, Trossard, Havertz.

Who is the referee?

Italian referee Maurizio Mariani will be the match official. Daniele Bindoni and Alberto Tegoni will assist him while Daniele Doveri will be the fourth official. The VAR is Daniele Chiffi and he will be assisted by Valerio Marini.