The Matchday 8 clash of the 2024/25 Champions League group stage 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
In the previous round, the Spaniards visited Milan and lost 0-1. This defeat ended their chances of advancing to the next round of the tournament. In their debut European season, the Catalans have secured only one victory (against Slovan Bratislava) and lost the other six matches. Notably, Michel Sanchez's side has suffered four consecutive defeats in the Champions League, all without scoring.
Forward Bryan Gil will miss the match due to an accumulation of yellow cards. Defenders Miguel Gutierrez, Daley Blind, and Ladislav Krejci, along with goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga, may also 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 Catalans' last 7 games in this tournament.
- The Spaniards have not scored in the first half of their last four Champions League matches.
Arsenal
The Gunners enter the final round with a three-match winning streak in the Champions League. The Londoners thrashed Sporting 5-1 away, then defeated Monaco and Dinamo Zagreb 3-0 at home. Mikel Arteta's team sits third with 16 points and has secured a place in the playoffs. 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 uncertain.
- At least one team failed to score in 7 of Arsenal's last 8 Champions League games.
- A maximum of three goals have been scored in 7 of Arsenal's last 8 matches in this European competition.
- The Gunners have won only one of their last six away matches in this tournament (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, winning only against Slovan, who, along with Young Boys, has not earned a single point after seven rounds. It seems likely that Michel Sanchez's side will lose the upcoming match as well, given their poor performance against more renowned opponents. Additionally, the team's attack has been disappointing, scoring in only two matches in the main round of the tournament.
Despite the fact that a draw would suffice for the English side, it is unlikely that they will play for such a result. I am confident that the Londoners will approach the match responsibly and strive for victory to avoid unnecessary additional games in the playoff round and to extend their three-match winning streak in this European competition. I also note the Gunners' defense, which has conceded only two goals in the group stage. The hosts are unlikely to have many opportunities to score against the favorites of the upcoming encounter. Girona has now lost four consecutive Champions League matches, and I think another defeat awaits the Spaniards.
My prediction – Arsenal to win
