Spanish La Liga
2018-02-24 - Barcelona vs Girona
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: Spanish Primera Division
Saturday 24th February 2018 - Kick Off 7:45pm
Barcelona
They might have moved into a commanding position in their Champions League Second Round tie against Chelsea during the week, but Barcelona still have quite a bit of work to do to make their way into the last eight of that competition. At one stage it looked like they had virtually sown up the Spanish title, but Barcelona have perhaps left the door open to challengers during what has been a difficult period for them.
It will still be a big surprise if Barcelona blow the lead they once had, and they remain 7 points clear of Atletico Madrid with 14 League games yet to play. They can move back to 10 points clear ahead of Atletico Madrid playing on Sunday by improving the 9-2-0 record in the League at the Nou Camp.
Barcelona are unbeaten in 9 games in all competitions, but they have drawn 3 of their last 5 which has just stalled the progress they had been making. They had won 7 in a row at home in all competitions, but Barcelona were held to a goalless draw by Getafe the last time they played here.
Girona
The link up with Manchester City has worked well for Girona in recent years and they look to be well on their way to avoiding relegation in their first ever season in the Spanish Primera Division. In fact they may actually be considering even bigger ambitions as they potentially chase a place in the Europa League for next season.
The side come into this weekend in 8th place in the League table and Girona are 4 points off the top six and the last of the Europa League places. An additional place could open up with the two Copa Del Rey Finalists likely to earn a European place by their League form so Girona will believe they can earn a surprising spot in Europe for next season.
Girona have lost just 1 of their last 6 games and they have won 2 of their last 3 which will have boosted the confidence of the players. The recent defeat did come away from home at Sevilla, but Girona surprised by earning a 1-1 draw at Atletico Madrid last month. However, Girona have lost 3 of their last 5 away games.
Head to Head
Barcelona won 0-3 at Girona earlier in the season.
Prediction
Football has just been a little more difficult for Barcelona in recent weeks compared to much of their season form and that has seen them dragged back towards their title rivals in Spain.
Draws have been the issue including in their last League game against Getafe at the Nou Camp, but Barcelona should get back to winning ways this week.
Girona have lost 3 of their last 5 away games in the League and they have failed to score in their last couple of games. It will be tough to change that against a Barcelona team who have conceded 1 goal in their last 8 home games in all competitions and I will back the home team to win this one with a clean sheet.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Barcelona 3-0 Girona
