Girona vs Arsenal Match Preview: Prediction, Team News, Lineups & More

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Girona vs Arsenal – Champions League Match Details

The UEFA Champions League league phase reaches its climax as Arsenal travel to Spain for a decisive encounter against Girona in the final league phase game. This Girona vs Arsenal Match Preview highlights a crucial fixture where both teams are battling for progression to the knockout rounds. Mikel Arteta’s side will be eager to assert their European credentials, while Girona, in their debut Champions League campaign, will look to pull off a memorable upset. With both teams known for their attacking intensity, this clash promises to be an exciting and high-stakes encounter.

Team News

Arsenal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces significant selection challenges ahead of the upcoming match due to several key injuries:

  • Gabriel Jesus – ACL Injury
    Suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in his left knee during the FA Cup match against Manchester United on January 14, 2025. He is expected to be sidelined until November 22, 2025.
  • Bukayo Saka – Hamstring Injury
    Underwent surgery for a hamstring injury and is anticipated to return around April 1, 2025.
  • Ben White – Knee Injury
    Sustained a knee injury; projected return date is February 2, 2025.
  • Takehiro Tomiyasu – Knee Injury
    Recovering from a long-term knee injury; aiming for a return on February 2, 2025.

Arsenal’s appeal against the red card issued to 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly during their match against Wolverhampton Wanderers has been successful. The incident occurred in the first half of Arsenal’s 1-0 victory, where referee Michael Oliver sent off Lewis-Skelly for a challenge on Matt Doherty, a decision that was upheld by VAR at the time. Following the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his frustration, stating he was “absolutely fuming” with the decision. The club promptly appealed, and an independent regulatory commission upheld the claim of wrongful dismissal, resulting in the removal of Lewis-Skelly’s three-match suspension. This outcome means Lewis-Skelly is now eligible to participate in Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures, including the crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City.

These injuries have notably impacted Arsenal’s attacking options, with both Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka side-lined. Manager Mikel Arteta has emphasized the need to strengthen the squad’s offensive capabilities in light of these absences.

Girona

Girona is also contending with several injuries and suspensions ahead of the match:

  • Daley Blind – Hamstring Injury
    Doubtful for the upcoming game due to a hamstring injury.
  • Paulo Gazzaniga – Back Injury
    The goalkeeper is doubtful owing to a back injury.
  • Ladislav Krejčí – Hip Injury
    Expected to be sidelined until mid-February 2025.
  • Miguel Gutiérrez – Shin Injury
    Anticipated return in late February 2025.
  • Bryan Gil – Disciplinary Suspension
    Unavailable due to disciplinary reasons.

These absences could significantly affect Girona’s lineup and strategy for the match.

Note: Injury statuses are subject to change. It’s advisable to check for the latest updates closer to the match time.

Line-ups

Gabriel

Arsenal (Formation: 4-3-3)

🧤 Goalkeeper: Neto


🛡 Defenders: Partey – Kiwior – Gabriel – Calafiori

🎯 Midfielders: Odegaard – Jorginho – Merino


⚡ Forwards: Nwaneri – Trossard – Sterling

Girona (Formation: 4-2-3-1)

🧤 Goalkeeper: Lopez


🛡 Defenders: Arnau – Juanpe – Frances – Antal


🎯 Midfielders: Romeu – Martin


🔥 Attacking Midfielders: Tsygankov – Asprilla – Danjuma


⚡ Striker: Ruiz

Key Battles to Watch

1️⃣ Gabriel vs Ruiz – A pivotal battle in both penalty areas, where Gabriel must use strength, positioning, and tactical awareness to contain the threat of Ruiz, who will look to exploit space, make clever runs, and convert any goal-scoring chances. A moment of brilliance or a lapse in concentration from either could be decisive.

2️⃣ Jorginho vs Asprilla – This contest in the heart of midfield will be crucial in dictating the flow of the game. Jorginho will aim to break up play, intercept passes, and limit the influence of Asprilla, who thrives in tight spaces and can create opportunities with incisive passing and vision. Whoever wins this battle will likely control their team’s attacking momentum.

3️⃣ Partey vs Danjuma – A high-intensity duel on the flanks, where Partey must balance defensive duties with supporting the attack. Danjuma will look to use pace, skill, and delivery into the box to unsettle the opposition. If Partey can nullify this threat, it could significantly restrict the attacking output, but if Danjuma finds space, it could be a long night for the defence.

4️⃣ Merino vs Martin – A battle for midfield supremacy where the central midfielder from both sides will look to dictate tempo, retain possession, and drive their team forward. The ability to press effectively, win second balls, and transition quickly between defence and attack could be a defining factor in this matchup.

5️⃣ Neto vs Ruiz – The battle that could define the result, with Neto needing to command the box, make key saves, and organize the defence against a clinical Ruiz who will be looking for any opportunity to test their reflexes. Whether from open play, set pieces, or penalties, this duel will be a major factor in the outcome.

Recent Form

Arsenal

Arsenal have demonstrated strong form across their last five matches in all competitions:

  1. January 12, 2025: Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United (FA Cup) – Match ended in a draw, with Manchester United advancing on penalties.
  2. January 15, 2025: Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League) – A hard-fought victory in the North London derby.
  3. January 18, 2025: Arsenal 2-2 Aston Villa (Premier League) – A competitive draw against a resilient Villa side.
  4. January 22, 2025: Arsenal 3-0 Dinamo Zagreb (UEFA Champions League) – A commanding win, showcasing their European ambitions.
  5. January 25, 2025: Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-1 Arsenal (Premier League) – A narrow away victory, highlighting their defensive solidity.

These results underscore Arsenal’s resilience and attacking prowess as they approach the crucial fixture against Girona.

Girona

Girona have faced challenges in their recent matches:

Despite a victory against Deportivo Alavés, Girona have struggled to maintain consistency, suffering narrow defeats in subsequent matches.

Head-to-Head

This upcoming fixture marks the first competitive meeting between Girona and Arsenal. With no prior head-to-head record, both teams will be eager to establish dominance and secure a positive result in this inaugural encounter.

Match Prediction: Girona 0-2 Arsenal

With both teams battling for a place in the Champions League knockout rounds, this promises to be a tense but tactical encounter. Arsenal, despite dealing with injury setbacks, possess the quality and experience to manage high-pressure European nights. Their defensive solidity and ability to control possession could prove decisive against a Girona side that thrives on quick transitions and attacking movement.

Girona, making history in their debut Champions League campaign, will look to frustrate Arsenal and capitalize on counter-attacks. However, the Gunners‘ structured defence and pressing game should limit their opportunities.

A well-organized Arsenal side is expected to dictate the tempo and find the breakthrough with clinical finishing in key moments. A 2-0 victory for Mikel Arteta’s men seems the most likely outcome, with Arsenal’s European experience and tactical discipline giving them the edge in this crucial tie.

Where to Watch Girona vs Arsenal

📺 TV Channel:

💻 Live Stream:

  • UK – Discovery+ (via TNT Sports subscription)
  • USA – Paramount+
  • Spain – Movistar+

📍 Other International Broadcasters:

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