La Liga: Girona Out to Prove That Their Early-Season Wave is No Fluke

Granada vs Girona

Girona aren’t supposed to be in the Top 3 of the La Liga table, but here we are. Yes, you read that right: La Gironistes are second behind Real Madrid and one spot ahead of defending champions Barcelona (due to goal difference) after going undefeated in the first four matchdays of the 2023-24 campaign.

This Sunday, Michel’s men are off to Los Carmenes to visit Granada, who are currently 16^th at the table given their poor stretch of La Liga 2023 results.

Paco Lopez’s side is in need of a shot in the arm after winning only once in their last four outings. But will they get it against their plucky visitors?

Without further ado, check out today’s SBOTOP preview by reading more below.

Talking Points

Granada couldn’t hold it down defencively

Much has been said about Granada’s revamped attack, and it has translated so far this year given that they already have seven goals. There have already been five different players who have scored for Granada, with Bryan Zaragoza leading the way with two goals.

However, on the flip side, they have also conceded a league-worst 12 goals as of this writing for a -5 goal difference, which is why they are flirting with relegation.

Jesus Vallejo hasn’t played since their 3-1 loss to Atletico Madrid, which is unfortunate. The Real Madrid loanee would’ve beefed up Granada’s centre-half.

There’s no confirmation yet as to when he’ll be back on the pitch, but he should be getting closer following the September international break.

In the meantime, Paco Lopez might go for a 3-5-2 formation once again, with Victor Diaz Miguel, Miguel Angel, and Ignasi Miquel tasked with covering their goalkeeper, Raul Fernandez, while 22-year-old Miki Bosch is another candidate to get extended minutes.

Outcasts have something to prove in Girona

The bad news for Granada is that Girona are capable of wreaking havoc in the final third, as there have also been five different players who have scored for the visitors so far this term.

Leading the way are Yangel Herrera and Cristhian Stuani with two goals apiece, while Portu, Artem Dovbyk, and Aleix Garcia have one goal each.

Herrera and Portu enter the 2023-24 season with a chip on their shoulders following their exits from their previous clubs.

Herrera never got to suit up for Manchester City, despite being listed as their player for the last six years. Five different teams had loaned the 25-year-old Venezuelan forward before Girona swooped in to buy him on a permanent basis.

On the other hand, Portu will once again wear the red and white Girona shirt. The Spanish winger has bounced around with Real Sociedad and Getafe before returning to La Gironistes.

It was with Girona that Portu was at his best, as during his first stint, he was able to produce 29 goals in 115 appearances from 2016 to 2019.

History

Granada and Girona will face off in La Liga for the first time on Sunday. Prior to this game, Granada had won four and drawn one of their six games against Girona in the Segunda Division. Girona’s only league victory against Granada was a 2-0 result in March 2011.

Girona have won their last two La Liga road games against Andalusian sides, both against Sevilla this year (2-0 in May and 2-1 in September). Before this run, they had never defeated any Andalusian opposition on the road (D2, L6).

Last season, Girona finished as the 10^th seed in their second consecutive season in La Liga. Prior to 2022-23, La Gironistes were in the Segunda Division for three years.

On the other hand, Granada are the classic yo-yo team, bouncing in and out of La Liga these past few seasons. After suffering relegation in 2021-22, the Nazaries secured top-flight promotion after finishing on top of the Segunda Division last term.

Betting Tip

Despite the difference in their forms, the La Liga 2023 odds predict a close fight between Girona and Granada. Girona were given the slight advantage at 2.47, while Granada aren’t far behind at 2.65, and a draw is at 3.15 odds in the 1X2 market.

Girona should be able to get maximum points on Sunday. And given how these two teams are scoring in bunches lately, we believe that this weekend’s clash is going to yield a handful of goals.

While Over 2.25 at 1.78 is our recommended bet, Total Goal 2-3 at 1.89 is a safer option. However, going for Total Goal 4-6 at 3.85 sounds viable as well, especially if you’re chasing a higher payout.

 

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