Villarreal vs Girona Predictions – Friday 31st August 2018

Villarreal vs Girona predictions for this Friday’s clash in La Liga. Read on for our analysis as these two clubs target their first wins of the new season.

DATE/TIME – Friday 31st August 2018, 22:00 (CEST)

STADIUM – Estadio de la Cerámica, Villarreal

COMPETITION – La Liga

Villarreal vs Girona Predictions

Betting Tips: Over 2.5 Goals

Score Prediction: 2-1 Villarreal

This should be a pretty open game as both teams have shown defensive weaknesses so far which suggests we could see goals. Villarreal were very poor defensively in their opening home game and settled for a more cautious approach as a result last week in Seville. Back at home and against a side they will be expected to beat, we should see much more from them though and they do have some exciting attacking options such as Gerard Moreno and Pablo Fornals and are in the process of gelling into an effective unit.

Girona were ultimately no match for Real Madrid last week and are still settling into life under new management. They have players capable of producing moments of quality though and did win here last term so they are unlikely to show any fear. Eusebio is a fairly positive coach and there’s reason to fancy a few goals here although Villarreal’s extra class should see them grab the points.

Villarreal vs Girona Match Stats

• The first ever top flight meetings took place last season and both produced away wins.
• Girona have won 3 of the last 5 meetings overall.
• There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 6 of Villarreal’s last 7 home games in La Liga.
• Girona have only won 2 of their last 12 league games.
• Villarreal have only failed to score in 1 of their last 13 home league matches.

One to Watch – Pablo Fornals

? @pablofornals ?
? Leo Messi ❤️️
? @LuisSuarez9 ❤️️

These players knew how to lend a hand in #LaLigaSantander 2017/18… ?️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/EKuXcKDKVx

— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) May 23, 2018

No player in La Liga last season created more goals than Pablo Fornals (12 assists). Villarreal have lost some of their bright young hopes this summer but Fornals remains and could grow into a real talisman this season.

La Liga predictions

Friday’s other games: Getafe vs Real Valladolid | Eibar vs Real Sociedad

Predicted Line Ups

Possible Villarreal Team:

Asenjo – Pedraza, Ruiz, Gonzalez, Gaspar – Fornals, Caseres, Trigueros, Cazorla – Ekambi, Moreno (4-4-2)

Possible Girona Team:

Bono – Porro, Espinosa, Juanpe, Muniesa – Pons, Granell, Timor – Portu, Stuani, Garcia (4-3-3)

Featured image of Villarreal stadium, CC BY-SA 3.0