Girona vs Slovan Bratislava predictions: Injury-plagued hosts can get off the mark
- Girona have kept one clean sheet in their last eight games in all competitions
- Slovan Bratislava have conceded nine goals in their last two Champions League games
- Recommended bet: Girona to win and both teams to score
Girona’s injury woes have taken their toll in recent weeks but the LaLiga outfit can get back to winning ways on Tuesday night when they play host to Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League.
The Blanquivermells were the surprise package in LaLiga last season, finishing in third place behind only Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Now in their first season in the Champions League, Girona are learning quickly what it takes to compete at this level, having lost both of their opening two games — to Paris Saint-Germain (1-0) and Feyenoord (2-3).
A first Champions League win for Michel’s side might be on the cards though, now against a Bratislava side that while flying in the Slovakian top flight, have also struggled in Europe’s elite club competition.
Losing 5-1 at Celtic before a 4-0 home defeat to Manchester City, a tough trip to the Estadi Municipal de Montilivi now awaits for Slovan Bratislava.
Team news
Michel’s Girona side are relying on players to step up and fill the void for some key personnel who are currently on the sidelines.
Pau Lopez, Bryan Gil, Viktor Tsyhankov, Daley Blind, Oriol Romeu and summer signing Yaser Asprilla are all set to miss Tuesday's game.
As for the visitors, Slovan Bratislava's Juraj Kucka has returned to training after knee surgery last month but the trip to Girona will come just too soon for the influential playmaker.
In Kucka’s absence, Croatian star Marko Tolic is likely to earn another start, while David Strelec will lead the line.
The stats
Girona have won one of their last eight games in all competitions, while they have kept just one clean sheet in that time.
The 38-year-old Cristhian Stuani is the club’s leading goalscorer this season, scoring three times in seven appearances in LaLiga.
Slovan Bratislava have lost just one of their last 11 games in the Slovakian Super Liga, with that defeat being a 5-0 home loss at the hands of title rivals Zilina.
Prediction
Girona’s injuries have had a significant impact on their start to the season but Michel’s side can earn the club’s first-ever Champions League win on Tuesday.
Bratislava have struggled to cope with the step up from domestic football this season and conceding nine goals in their last two European games is a massive concern.
Girona’s leaky defence means Bratislava might well get on the scoresheet but with home advantage, the hosts should have enough quality to land three valuable points at the Estadi Municipal de Montilivi.
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