Rabat – Barcelona hosts Girona today in a La Liga game, with the Catalan club looking to bounce back from back-to-back defeats. The hosts are under pressure and they need a win to stay close to Real Madrid in the table standing, while Girona arrives with a weakened squad and will aim to frustrate their city rivals.
Match Detail
Fixture: Barcelona vs Girona
Competition: La Liga, Matchday 9
Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Kick-off: 3:15 pm (GMT+1)
How to Watch: BeIN Sports 1 MENA, DAZN LaLiga, M+ La Liga
Barcelona Team News
Barcelona faces a major injury crisis heading into this game. Key players unavailable are:
- Robert Lewandowski (hamstring)
- Marc‑André ter Stegen (knee)
- Gavi (knee)
- Raphinha (hamstring)
- Dani Olmo (calf)
- Ferran Torres (hamstring overload)
The good news for Barcelona is that Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez are back and are expected to play a few minutes in the game
Young players like Roony Bardghji and academy talent may be called up to help cover the gaps.
Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):Szczęsny; Koundé, Cubarsí, É Garcia, Balde; De Jong, Casadó; Bardghji, Pedri, Fermin López; Rashford.
Girona Team News
Girona are also short-handed. Key absentees include:
- Juan Carlos (knee)
- Donny van de Beek (ankle)
- Alejandro Francés (suspended)
- Azzedine Ounahi (leg)
The visitors are struggling, sitting 17th in the table with only 6 points from eight games
Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Gazzaniga; Martínez, Reis, Blind, Moreno; Witsel, Rincón; Joel Roca, Vanat, Gil; Asprilla.
What to Expect
Barcelona will dominate possession and push hard from start to finish. Despite their injuries, they still possess more quality and need the win to stay in contention for the title. Girona will focus on staying compact, defending in numbers, and looking for breaks in space. Barcelona’s recent form has been concerning, with their high line and offside trap getting exposed
Safe Calls
- Both Teams to Score: YES
- Over 2.5 Goals: YES – Barcelona need to attack and Girona are weak defensively.
- Barcelona to Win or Draw: YES – Barcelona are the favorites,
- Marcus Rashford to score: Yes
Prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Girona
