Match Preview

The second round of La Liga action will see Villarreal host Girona on August 24 at their home ground, Estadio de la Ceramica. Here’s a detailed look at the Villarreal-Girona encounter, including our match prediction, key statistics, and betting odds.

Villarreal Team Analysis

Villarreal began their fresh campaign on a strong note, securing a convincing 2-0 home victory against Oviedo. Both goals for Marcelino Garcia’s squad came in the opening half. This triumph marked their seventh consecutive win in La Liga, highlighting their impressive form. Furthermore, the Yellow Submarine has consistently netted at least two goals in each of their last four league fixtures.

• A minimum of three goals have been scored in seven of Villarreal’s previous ten league outings.
• The team has been the first to score in their last seven Primera Division encounters.
• Playing on their home turf, the Valencian side boasts an impressive streak of five consecutive La Liga victories.  

Expected Lineup: Villarreal (4-3-3)* 

Luis Junior – Rafa Marin, Sergi Cardona, Santiago Mourino, Juan Foyth – Yeremy Pino, Santi Comesaña, Pap Gueye – Karl Etta Eyong, Nicolas Pepe, Gerard Moreno.   

Girona Team Analysis

Girona, much like their previous season, continues to frustrate their supporters. In their home fixture at Montilivi, the club suffered a 1-3 defeat against Rayo Vallecano. Míchel Sánchez’s squad found themselves a man down towards the end of the first half, although they had already let in two goals without reply by that point. Girona is currently on a three-match losing streak in La Liga, having a dismal goal difference of 3:10 across these encounters.

Team News: Girona

Defender Miguel Gutiérrez, who was on loan, departed the squad this week.

• Girona has failed to secure a victory in 15 of their previous 18 Primera Division clashes, recording four draws and eleven losses.
• The Catalan side has conceded the first goal in ten of their last thirteen league fixtures.
• Girona has managed only one win in their last nine away matches in La Liga, along with two draws and six defeats. 

Expected Lineup: Girona (4-3-3)*   

Paulo Gazzaniga – Daley Blind, Ladislav Krejci, Alejandro Frances, Arnau Martinez – Yangel Herrera, Ivan Martin, Jhon Solis – Yaser Asprilla, Viktor Tsygankov, Bojan Miovski.

Goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga  is set to miss the upcoming fixture due to suspension. 

Match Prediction: Villarreal vs Girona

Last season, Girona narrowly avoided relegation from the Primera Division. Their current transfer strategy suggests another challenging campaign ahead, likely focusing on a fierce battle for survival, given the lack of substantial squad reinforcements. The team continues to heavily depend on loan signings, with limited funds for acquiring high-profile players. Girona’s form is notably poor; in their last 17 La Liga outings, their only victories came against Mallorca and the relegated Valladolid.

In stark contrast, Villarreal is currently in superb form. The team has strung together seven consecutive victories, showcasing exceptional attacking prowess. Notably, they have won five straight home matches in the Primera Division, netting at least two goals in each of their last four fixtures at their own stadium. I am confident that the hosts will not only claim all three points but will achieve a decisive win, scoring a minimum of two goals in the process.

Author’s Prediction

My prediction for this match is: Villarreal Individual Total Goals Over 1.5 with odds 1.57

*The listed lineups represent the starting XI from each team’s last match in this competition.