Girona will face Villarreal with the ambition of winning to reignite their European aspirations and avoid looking downwards in the league table. Villarreal will be hoping to add three vital points to get closer to their dream of Champions League qualification.
Girona’s Shifting Fortunes
Míchel’s team has been inconsistent this season. After a good win against Athletic Club following three uninspiring games, they fell to a defeat away to Osasuna in their last match.
The league table is tight. Girona started the matchday only four points behind seventh, eighth and ninth places. Following Mallorca’s victory against Real Madrid, they are only five points above the relegation zone, and face a daunting April schedule.
Girona are set to play Villarreal, Real Madrid and Betis. They have performed well against teams in the top half of the table this season. In the first half of the season, they drew against Real Madrid and Betis. In February, they beat Barcelona at Montilivi.
April will define Girona’s May, leaving them in one of three positions: a candidate for Europe, a candidate for relegation, or simply a team with nothing left to play for.
Team Selection Dilemmas for Míchel
Míchel has two selection questions. One is at full-back, whether to reinstate Álex Moreno, who is fully recovered, or continue with Hugo Rincón, with Arnau Martínez on the wrong foot.
The other selection question is in attacking midfield. Azzedine Ounahi and Viktor Tsygankov are certain starters, with Joel Roca, Thomas Lemar and Claudio Echeverri competing for the remaining spot.
Bryan Gil and Cristhian Stuani are back in the squad after spells on the sidelines. Donny van de Beek, Juan Carlos, Portu and Marc-André ter Stegen are long-term absentees.
Villarreal’s Champions League Chase
Villarreal return to league action looking to continue picking up points in their pursuit of Champions League qualification. They will also be looking to capitalise on Atlético de Madrid’s defeat to extend their advantage in the battle to secure third place.
Villarreal face the first of three consecutive away games. This situation will test them, as they have not yet won away from home in the second half of the season.
Marcelino has all eight of his international players back, having returned without any fitness issues from their international duties. Ayoze Pérez is also available, having recovered from a muscle problem during the international break.
Rafa Marín is a doubt. Juan Foyth and Logan Costa remain sidelined through injury.
Villarreal face Girona hoping to continue their push for a Champions League spot.