Girona vs Villarreal – News and Probable Lineups

Villarreal are set to pursue consecutive victories in La Liga as they face Girona this coming Monday evening.

The Yellow Submarine currently ranks third in the La Liga standings, standing one point ahead of Atletico Madrid in fourth place, whereas Girona is positioned 14th, sitting five points clear of the relegation zone.

Match overview

In their previous encounter at home in mid-March, Girona secured a 3-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao, but they headed into the recent international break following a 1-0 defeat at Osasuna.

The Catalan team currently occupies the 14th position in La Liga, five points above the relegation spots, indicating there is substantial work ahead to ensure their top-flight survival.

With 19 points from 14 home league matches this season, Michel’s squad will be seeking to avenge their earlier 5-0 defeat to Villarreal when these two teams last met in August.

Historically, Girona has only managed to secure five victories in their last 18 encounters against Villarreal, suffering a 1-0 loss in their corresponding fixture last season.

The last time the Catalan side triumphed over Villarreal was in September 2023, and they haven’t bested the Yellow Submarine at home since December 2012.

Meanwhile, Villarreal heads into the March international break following a 3-1 home victory over Real Sociedad, marking five wins in their last eight league games.

Marcelino’s side currently ranks third in the La Liga table, boasting a record of 18 wins, four draws, and seven losses from 29 matches, accumulating 58 points.

Villarreal is one point ahead of Atletico Madrid in fourth place and 14 points clear of fifth-placed Real Betis, putting them in an excellent position for next season’s Champions League qualification.

The Yellow Submarine has the fourth-best away record in La Liga this season, securing 21 points from 14 matches, achieving six victories along the way.

This term, Villarreal certainly aims for a third-place finish, which would mark their highest position since finishing second in the 2007-08 season.

Girona La Liga form:

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Villarreal La Liga form:

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Team News

On Monday night, Girona will be missing Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ricard Artero, Bryan Gil, Juan Carlos, Portu, and Donny van de Beek due to injury.

Cristhian Stuani, who has been sidelined for the last four matches with a muscular issue, will also require assessment before a final decision is made.

Thomas Lemar appeared as a late substitute against Osasuna last time out, but the experienced forward is expected to return to the starting XI for this match.

For Villarreal, Pau Cabanes, Logan Costa, and Juan Foyth are set to miss out due to injury.

Ayoze Perez needs evaluation after missing the last match against Real Sociedad, and it’s probable he will be on the bench on Monday night.

Head coach Marcelino may opt for the same starting lineup that began against Real Sociedad, including Nicolas Pepe on the right flank, while Gerard Moreno is also anticipated to retain his position in the attacking third.

Girona probable starting XI:

Gazzaniga; Rincon, Reis, Blind, Martinez; Beltran, Witsel; Tsygankov, Ounahi, Lemar; Vanat

Villarreal probable starting XI:

Junior; Mourino, Navarro, Veiga, Pedraza; Pepe, Comesana, Gueye, Miller; Moreno, Mikautadze

Girona possesses the potential to challenge Villarreal effectively, and it is anticipated that the fixture will be competitive on Monday night; however, the visitors have sufficient quality to secure all three points.