In this much-anticipated La Liga clash, Valencia is set to host Girona at the Mestalla stadium on matchday 37.
Both teams are looking to secure vital points in the race for the final standings.
Match Preview
Girona has hit a rough patch recently, unable to secure a win in their last two games.
They started the season on fire, even contending for the La Liga title early on. But after the Christmas break, their form dipped.
Currently sitting third in the standings, Girona’s final position is still up in the air—they could end up as high as second or as low as fourth.
Plus, their spot in the Champions League isn’t set in stone, partly due to their ties with Manchester City.
On matchday 37, Girona will head to the Mestalla to take on Valencia.
Los Che are currently ninth and, like Girona, are struggling with form.
Valencia’s slump has been more prolonged, though, as they’ve managed just one point from their last five matches. Their latest outing was a 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad.
Valencia’s recent struggles are largely due to a lack of goals.
They haven’t found the back of the net in their last three matches.
Over the season, they’ve scored only 37 goals in 36 games, relying heavily on their defense, which has conceded 40 times. But even their defense has faltered in recent games.
On the other hand, Girona is La Liga’s second-highest scoring team with 75 goals this season.
Their defense, while not the best, has managed to hold up reasonably well, conceding 45 goals in 36 matches.
However, it’s their defensive lapses that have cost them a shot at the title.
Valencia’s home form has been poor, with just two points from their last four matches at Mestalla and only one goal scored in those games.
Meanwhile, Girona is the league’s third-best away team, earning 31 points from 18 road matches. Yet, they’ve lost four of their last six away games, collecting just four points in that span.
Head-to-Head:
Historically, home teams have had the upper hand in this matchup.
The home side has won the last three encounters between these clubs.
Girona won both of their recent home games against Valencia, including a 2-1 victory earlier this season.
Team News & Updates:
Girona’s star striker, Artem Dovbyk, is La Liga’s top scorer with 20 goals, contributing to 27% of their total goals.
He’s also attracting significant attention ahead of the summer transfer window.
Prediction & Analysis
Considering Valencia’s struggles and Girona’s attacking prowess, we predict a narrow victory in favor of Girona.
Their recent away form, coupled with Valencia’s inconsistencies, could tip the balance in Girona’s favor, breaking the streak of home team victories in their recent encounters.