By Matt Smith
This would be the first time the 2 sides have met of their historical past, with it being the primary season Girona have ever competed within the Champions League. The Gunners are at the moment sitting in third place within the desk and want only one level to make sure their place within the closing 16.
Tottenham loanee will miss out
Girona coach Michel will probably be with out difficult attacker Bryan Gil for the conflict with Arsenal after the Tottenham loanee picked up his third yellow card of the competitors, that means he’ll serve a one-game ban.
Paulo Gazzaniga and Daley Blind each suffered accidents towards Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga final outing, so they won’t be obtainable for this one.
Girona’s lack of urgent received’t go well with Arsenal
Arsenal have struggled at instances this season towards sides who sit deep and look to soak up the strain. Girona have arrange similar to that of their debut Champions League look, hardly ever urgent excessive up the pitch and permitting opposition groups to play.
In truth, no facet within the competitors has received possession within the closing third than Girona, doing so simply 2.4 instances per sport. In possession, Girona will look to maintain the ball, however with out it, they may frustrate an Arsenal facet who will probably be determined to safe the three factors.
Arteta will probably be sweating on Ødegaard readiness
Martin Ødegaard missed Arsenal’s journey to Wolves final outing, alongside Mikel Merino. The duo had been concerned in latest weeks, however had been unexpectedly absent from their earlier match within the Premier League. Mikel Arteta will probably be hoping they’ve shaken off their troubles and will probably be obtainable to face Girona.
Lengthy-term absentees Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Jesus, and Bukayo Saka will all be unavailable for the Gunners as they proceed their restoration from damage.
Havertz flying excessive in Europe
Regardless of some inconsistent type within the Premier League, Kai Havertz has been prolific in entrance of purpose within the Champions League. The German worldwide has scored 4 instances general, discovering the again of the web in three consecutive video games.
With Jesus out injured for the time being, there may be loads of strain on the shoulders of Havertz. The Gunners are but to signal a brand new centre-forward within the January switch window, so it’s a possibility for the previous Bayer Leverkusen man to show that he’s the person to guide the road for Arteta for the remainder of the marketing campaign.
Prediction
Arsenal ought to have an excessive amount of high quality for Girona. Arteta’s facet are taking part in for qualification, whereas it’s a meaningless sport for Girona as a result of Spanish facet already being eradicated.
We’re going for a 2-0 victory to the Premier League giants.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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