The Matchday 8 clash in the 2024/25 Champions League between Girona (Spain) and Arsenal (England) will take place on January 29 at the Montilivi Stadium. Girona vs. Arsenal: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Girona
The Spaniards visited Milan in the last round and lost 0-1. With this defeat, the team lost all chances of advancing to the next round of the tournament. In their debut European season, the Catalans have won only once (against Bratislava's Slovan) and lost the other six matches. Notably, Michel Sanchez's side has suffered four consecutive defeats in the Champions League, all without scoring a goal.
Forward Bryan Gil will miss the match due to an accumulation of yellow cards. Defenders Miguel Gutierrez, Daley Blind, and Ladislav Krejci, as well as goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga, may miss the game due to injuries.
- At least one team failed to score in Girona's last five Champions League matches.
- No more than two goals have been scored in 5 of the last 7 games of the Catalans in this tournament.
- The Spaniards have not scored in the first half in their last four Champions League matches.
Arsenal
The Gunners enter the final round with a series of three wins in the Champions League. The Londoners thrashed Sporting away (5-1), and then comfortably defeated Monaco and Dinamo Zagreb at home with scores of 3-0. Mikel Arteta's side sits third with 16 points, ensuring their place in the playoff matches. To qualify directly for the round of 16, Arsenal only needs to avoid defeat in the upcoming match.
Forwards Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka, as well as defenders Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White, will not play due to injuries. The participation of defender Mikel Merino and midfielder Martin Odegaard (after illness) is doubtful.
- At least one team failed to score in 7 of Arsenal's last 8 Champions League matches.
- A maximum of three goals have been scored in 7 of Arsenal's last 8 matches in this European competition.
- In their last six away matches in this tournament, the Gunners have won only once (2 draws and 3 losses).
Predicted lineups for Girona vs. Arsenal
Girona (4-5-1): Pau Lopez – Alejandro Frances, Juanpe, David Lopez, Arnau Martinez – Oriol Romeu, Donny van de Beek, Ivan Martin, Yaser Asprilla, Viktor Tsygankov – Abel Ruiz.
Arsenal (4-3-3): David Raya – Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Gabriel Magalhaes – Jorginho, Declan Rice, Thomas Partey – Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz.
Referee: Maurizio Marian (Italy)
Matches – 7 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 29;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.1;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 43%.
Girona vs. Arsenal: Match Prediction
The Catalan club has struggled in the Champions League group stage, managing only a win against Slovan, who, along with Young Boys, failed to earn any points after seven rounds. It seems likely that Michel Sanchez's side will lose the upcoming match as they have struggled against more renowned opponents. Moreover, their attack has been underwhelming, scoring in just two group stage matches.
Although a draw would suffice for the English side, it is unlikely they will play for such a result. I am confident that the Londoners will approach the match seriously and aim for a victory to avoid unnecessary playoff games and extend their three-match winning streak in this competition. It's also worth noting Arsenal's defense, which has conceded only two goals in the group stage. The hosts are unlikely to have many opportunities to score against the favorites. Girona is currently on a four-match losing streak in the Champions League, and I expect another setback for the Spaniards.
My prediction: Arsenal to win
