Barcelona will be aiming to bounce back from their first defeat of the La Liga season when they host Girona in a Catalan derby on Saturday afternoon.
With kick-off scheduled for 15:15 BST, the game will once again take place at the Estadi Olímpic, as the club continues to await final council approval to return to the redeveloped Nou Camp.
Team form
Hansi Flick’s side had been flying high at the top of the table before their unbeaten start came crashing down in Seville.
After opening their campaign with five wins from six, including a 6-0 demolition of Valencia, a dominant 3-0 win over Getafe, and a 3-1 victory at Real Oviedo, Barcelona suffered a humbling 4-1 defeat to Sevilla before the international break.
That loss allowed Real Madrid to leapfrog them back into first place, leaving Flick’s men two points off the pace.
Despite the setback, Barca’s performances have been mainly excellent, and the German coach will expect an immediate reaction from his injury-hit squad this weekend.
Girona appear to be turning a corner after a difficult start to the season. Michel’s side endured a torrid opening, losing their first three games, including a 5-0 thrashing at Villarreal, but have since steadied the ship.
They’ve lost just one of their last five, drawing against Celta Vigo, Athletic Club, and Espanyol, before finally picking up their first win of the season in a 2-1 triumph over Valencia last time out.
The break may have disrupted their rhythm, but Girona will take heart from recent resilience and look to frustrate their more illustrious neighbours.
Head-to-head
Recent meetings between these Catalan rivals have been surprisingly balanced. Across the last five La Liga encounters, both sides have claimed two victories apiece, with one draw between them.
Barcelona had the upper hand last season on their way to the title, winning both fixtures 4-1, but Girona completed a famous double in 2023-24, including their first-ever away win over Barca with a 4-2 success.
The record books suggest that goals are rarely in short supply when these two sides meet, with the only goalless draw coming at the Nou Camp in 2023, while the last four games have featured five or more goals.
Team news
Injuries continue to trouble Barcelona. Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres both withdrew from Spain duty due to knocks, although Torres is expected to recover in time.
Lamine Yamal’s groin issues remain a concern, but Barcelona have hinted the teenager could feature from the bench to get minutes ahead of crucial Champions League ties and the first El Clásico of the season later this month.
Raphinha is back after missing three matches, offering a welcome boost in attack, while Gavi and Joan Garcia remain sidelined, and Fermin Lopez is a doubt.
Girona have their own headaches. Michel is without suspended pair Alejandro Frances and Ivan Martin after retrospective bans, while Donny van de Beek, Abel Ruiz, and Azzedine Ounahi are still sidelined through injury. The squad’s depth will be tested.
Key stats
Raphinha has contributed three goals and two assists in six La Liga matches this season.
Barcelona have averaged 2.7 goals per game in the league.
Vladyslav Vanat is Girona’s top scorer with two goals in five games.
Girona have conceded an average of 2.1 goals per match in La Liga this season.
Prediction
Barcelona’s injury list remains a challenge for Flick, but the champions still boast far greater quality and depth than their regional rivals.
With Raphinha back in the fold and the likes of Pedri and Robert Lewandowski likely to feature prominently, the hosts should have enough attacking firepower to claim a comfortable victory.
Girona have improved recently, but are unlikely to contain Barca’s front line for 90 minutes.
