Girona vs Osasuna predictions and match preview for Sunday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for analysis, team news and predicted lineups as Jagoba Arrasate’s side head to Montilivi.
| Date | Sunday 23rd October 2022 |
| Kick-Off | 18:30 (local time) |
| Stadium | Montilivi |
| Competition | LaLiga |
Girona vs Osasuna Preview
Girona host Osasuna this weekend in a Matchday 11 encounter. The home side will be looking to grab a result to distract from their poor start to the season whilst Osasuna will be aiming to continue their fine form.
Girona come into this match after a five goal thriller away at Almeria on Thursday evening, on a night which will not live fondly in the memory of Girona goalkeeper Juan Carlos. The Catalans struggled to deal with Almeria’s early pressing, and on the twelfth minute Houboulang Mendes crossed in for Leo Baptistao who powered a header home. Only minutes later, Almeria took a goal kick and a mix up between Carlos and his defence allowed El Bilal Toure to slot into an empty net and increase the home side’s lead.
Just when things looked like they couldn’t get worse for Girona, Adri Embarba stepped up for a free kick from the best part of forty yards in the 37th minute and although he hit an excellent strike, Juan Carlos once again was made to look foolish for not keeping the ball out.
Right from the start of the second half, however, Girona looked a different side and benefitted from a goalkeeping error themselves as this time it was Almeria shot stopper Fernando Martinez who was off his line and Atletico loanee Rodrigo Riquelme lifted the ball over Martinez from long range to get Girona back into the game.
Girona would win two penalties after this goal, however Cristhian Stuani could only slot home the second as Martinez redeemed himself with a save on the first. At 3-2, Girona managed to put the ball into the back of the net in the dying embers of the game, but it was ruled offside and the Catalans marginally missed out on a point.
Girona have been arguably the most entertaining of the newly promoted sides, scoring in every match they have played since Matchday 3 however with only two wins all season, they find themselves in the relegation zone.
Osasuna also played on Thursday night as they hosted Espanyol. This match wasn’t the easiest on the eye and not a whole lot happened in terms of chances in the first half, although Aleix Vidal had a goal ruled out for offside in the 27th minute and right before half time Leandro Cabrera forced Osasuna keeper Aitor Fernandez into an excellent save with a header from a set piece.
It was a set piece that Osasuna used to put themselves in front early in the second half as a quickly taken corner was whipped into the box for Ante Budimir to head into the top corner. Osasuna only created one big opportunity after this and once again the key chances fell to Espanyol, with Joselu and Javi Puado failing to convert from close range and Osasuna were able to pick up three points. Former Levante man Aitor would be delighted after making two key saves and keeping a clean sheet as he filled in for Sergio Herrera.
Osasuna have once again enjoyed a strong start to the season and find themselves in seventh, albeit with a mixed run of form. A mid table finish is the minimum it seems for Arrasate’s side, although it is not a given that they won’t be able to challenge for a European spot.
Team News & Possible Lineups
Girona
| INJURED | Borja Garcia, Kebe, Reinier |
| DOUBTFUL | Juanpe |
| BANNED |
Possible XI: Juan Carlos – Miguel, Bernardo, Bueno, Arnau – Romeu – Aleix Garcia, Riquelme, Herrera – Stuani, Castellanos (4-1-3-2)
Coach: Michel
Osasuna
| INJURED | Kike Saverio |
| DOUBTFUL | |
| BANNED | David Garcia |
Possible XI: Herrera – Sanchez, Cruz, Unai Garcia, Vidal – Torro, Moncayola – Moi Gomez, Oroz, Abde – Budimir (4-2-3-1)
Coach: Jagoba Arrasate
Score Prediction: Girona 1-2 Osasuna
Girona have been an entertaining side to watch since returning to LaLiga and will likely go for Osasuna right from the first minute of the match. We expect them to grab a goal in this game, but with Osasuna being so organised under Arrasate we expect them to do what is necessary to grab all three points.
PLEASE NOTE – Our LaLiga predictions are not betting tips! No profits are guaranteed if you’re using them to bet on Spanish football. If you are gambling, do so responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose. BeGambleAware.
