Girona vs Mallorca: Match Preview

Girona are stumbling into this one, and it could cost them dear. They've dropped points in four of their last five outings, including that gut-punching 2-1 loss to Valencia just days ago. Mallorca aren't faring much better, with their own recent run mixing wins against weaker sides like Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid with frustrating defeats. And while Girona sit 15th on 38 points from 33 games, they're not exactly safe yet. Mallorca, languishing in 17th with 35 points, need a result to claw out of the relegation scrap. It's a clash that feels tense, especially since Girona have edged the head-to-head battles lately, snatching wins in their past two meetings. Injuries are biting hard for both teams. Girona will miss key figures like striker Vladyslav Vanat and goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, not to mention the suspended Alex Moreno—that's a blow to their defense and attack. Over on the Mallorca side, they're without central defender Antonio Raíllo and forward Mateo Joseph, which might leave gaps in an already shaky backline. Watch out for Girona's Viktor Tsygankov, who's bagged six goals this season, or Azzedine Ounahi in midfield; he's been sharp with five strikes. Mallorca counter with Vedat Muriqi, who's been a powerhouse up top with 21 goals—second in the league, no less—and Sergi Darder chipping in assists. Expected lineups show Girona in a 4-2-3-1 with Gazzaniga in goal, while Mallorca mirror that setup with Román between the posts. I reckon Girona should hold an edge here, given their recent dominance in these fixtures and Mallorca's slip-ups. Expect a tight game, but Girona's extra points in the table might just tip it their way.