Best Odds: 8/15
Bookmaker:
Looking to extend on their history-making La Liga romp, Girona will welcome Alaves to the Estadi Montilivi.
Girona
Starting with the hosts, last seen putting in another famous performance as they stormed their way to a 4-2 victory away at defending champions Barcelona, Girona are in the midst of a stunning La Liga romp. Firmly cementing their spot as Europe’s surprise package this season, it is no secret that Michel Sanchez’s men have continued to receive a string of public praise. Opening this weekend’s fixtures holding a remarkable two-point buffer at the top of the table, it appears that that Catalonia-based outfit are cruising their way to a Champions League ticket in 2024. Riding what has been an iconic wave of momentum and collecting 41 points from their opening 16 La Liga appearances this season, Monday’s hosts will simply be looking to make another statement here. Gaining a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third, Girona will be relishing a return to the Estadi Montilivi.
Team News
All still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Girona will be unable to call upon the likes of Toni Villa, Joel Roca, Antonio Jastin, Borja Garcia and Ricard Artero. Likewise, suffering a muscle strain earlier in the month, Sanchez’s side are sweating over the fitness of former Granada midfielder Yangel Herrera.
Finding the net away at Barcelona last weekend and now recording three goals in his previous four La Liga appearances, Ukraine international Artem Dovbyk will spearhead Girona’s charge on Monday night. Really impressing since arriving from PSV over the summer, 19-year-old Savic will join Dovbyk in the final third.
Alaves
As for the visitors, while Alaves might have only made their La Liga return this season, the Babazorros have impressed many across Spain’s elite. Holding a commanding six-point buffer over the drop zone, it is no secret that Luis Garcia Plaza’s men are simply looking to keep hold of their top-flight status in the New Year. However, facing what will certainly be a real challenge when they arrive at the Estadi Montilivi on Monday night, the former Mallorca boss has seen his squad win just one of their previous four La Liga appearances. Last seen putting in a toothless performance as they slumped to a 1-0 loss at home against Las Palmas, Alaves have also shown some extended issues on the road. Including a routine 2-0 loss at the hands of Rayo Vallecano on September 15th, Plaza’s men are yet to record a single top-flight away victory since opening up the 2023/24 campaign.
Team News
Yet to make a single appearance across any competition so far this season, Alaves will once again be without former Atletico Madrid loanee Giuliano Simeone. However, forced to serve a one-match suspension against Las Palmas last weekend, 26-year-old midfielder Ander Guevara should make a full return here.
Notching four La Liga strikes this season, Spain U21 international Samu Omorodion will spearhead Alaves’ charge on Monday night. Making a season-long loan switch from Scottish giants Rangers, Ianis Hagi will once again partner Antonio Blanco at the heart of Plaza’s midfield.
Key Factors to Consider
