Match preview

Girona head into this fixture in a difficult position, with Míchel’s side now firmly involved in the relegation battle after going five consecutive league matches without a victory. Levante’s recent win over Celta pushed the Catalans into the drop zone, increasing the pressure ahead of this crucial home encounter. Although Girona earned a respectable draw against Real Madrid, that result was followed by defeats to Betis, Valencia, and Mallorca, while they also failed to capitalize against a fatigued Rayo Vallecano side fresh from European action.

A major concern for the hosts is the lack of attacking firepower following the season-ending injury to Vladyslav Vanat. In the previous round, Míchel experimented by using Azzedine Ounahi in an advanced role, though Cristhian Stuani’s goal may convince the coach to restore the experienced 39-year-old striker to the starting lineup.

Real Sociedad, meanwhile, have little left to play for domestically after securing Europa League qualification through their Copa del Rey triumph. Under Pellegrino Matarazzo, the Basque side appear focused on preparing for next season and experimenting tactically, although their own La Liga form has also dipped, with the team winless in five straight league matches.

Recent performances from La Real have been inconsistent, including losses to Sevilla and Getafe alongside a draw against relegation-threatened Alavés. Their attacking options are further reduced by the suspension of Orri Óskarsson and the injury to Gonçalo Guedes, limiting the visitors’ ability to execute their usual quick counter-attacking style.

Probable lineups

Girona: Gazzaniga, Reis, Frances, Moreno, Martinez, Martin, Witsel, Ounahi, Lemar, Tsygankov, Stuani.

Real Sociedad: Alex, Martin, Caleta-Car, Aramburu, Gomez, Gorrotxategi, Soler, Kubo, Sučić, Barrenetxea, Oyarzabal.

Match facts and head-to-head

Girona have managed just one victory in their last ten meetings with Real Sociedad.

The Basque side have avoided defeat in nine of the previous ten encounters against Girona.

Both teams have scored in five of the last seven head-to-head matches.

Live Girona vs Real Sociedad - LaLiga EA Sports