LOOKING TO KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING FROM THE CUP

Insider view: 

Ruairidh Barlow, Editor Football España

@RuriBarlow 

@footballespana_

Girona finished 10th last season and were in the Segunda two season ago, what has changed at the club?

Girona have  had a sporting director in place for a decade, and a president too, which means they have had a lot of stability from above, and that has allowed Míchel to work in peace knowing there will be patience. Over the past two seasons, there is no doubt that they have recruited incredibly well, and found a system that is just the right balance between consistent every week, but also taking into account the strengths of their players and opposition.

Girona top scorer Artem Dovbyk recently won LALIGA EA SPORTS player of the month for December 2023. How crucial will the battle between Sergio Ramos and the Ukrainian striker be?

Dovbyk is undoubtedly the biggest goal threat that Girona have, and Ramos will have his work cut out trying to stop him. One of the things that makes him so good is that he is relatively unselfish with his movement, meaning that often he will create space for others. Ramos will have to know whether to stick tight to Dovbyk, and be sure he has cover, or whether to they would rather keep their shape. Girona are very good at disorganising the opposition.

Given he was the difference in their 2-1 win back in August, what impact will Aleix García's absence have on the team?

Aleix García is the commander in chief for Míchel. He's the most in tune with his thinking, the one who moves other players around, and the one that comes up with solutions. His absence could be a huge factor, but one of the impressive things about Girona this season has been their ability to coach around absences. Undoubtedly, he is their most important player though.

What style of play to the team have under Míchel?

Míchel's side are fairly adaptable. They have the tools to play to their opponents' weaknesses. Some of the key tenets are playing out from the back no matter what is in front of them, using two high and wide players to stretch the opposition, and having players crash the box from midfield in those inside lanes. They like to have the ball, but they're not married to it, and if the play demands being vertical, then that's what they'll. Without it, they'll press in stages, and when they've lost the ball.  They start with a high line, but if the other team maintains possession, they'll drop to a midblock. Ultimately, they're defined by movement, versatility, and bravery on the ball.

The preview of…

Girona FC-Sevilla FC, on the 21st LaLiga EA Sports matchday which kicks off at Montilivi at 21.00 CET. Girona won the first game of the season at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán 2-1. 

Standings 

The home side head into the game as league leaders on 49 points with second placed Real Madrid also in action this afternoon. We come into the game in seventeenth place on 16 points.

Last three meetings 

17/18 Girona FC 0-1 Sevilla FC

18/19 Girona FC 1-0 Sevilla FC

22/23  Girona FC 2-1 Sevilla FC

Opponent form 

FC Barcelona 2-4 Girona FC

Girona FC 3-0 Deportivo Alavés

Real Betis 1-1 Girona FC

Girona FC 4-3 Atlético de Madrid

UD Almería 0-0 Girona FC

Team news 

Hannibal is included in a matchday squad for the first time as Nyland also makes his return. The full squad is as follows: Dmitrovic, Nyland, Matías, Jesús Navas, Juanlu, Darío, Pedrosa, Badé, Gattoni, Sergio Ramos, Nianzou, Marcao, Agoumé, Sow, Hannibal, Rakitic, Jordán, Óliver Torres, Suso, Ocampos, Lamela, Rafa Mir, Mariano and Isaac.

Referee 

González Fuertes is the game’s referee with Prieto Iglesias on VAR duty.