Girona's battle to secure the runners-up position in this season's La Liga table will continue on Friday evening when they head to Mendizorrotza Stadium to tackle an in-form Alaves.
The visitors, who have qualified for next season's Champions League, are currently second, one point ahead of third-placed Barcelona, while Alaves occupy 11th spot, two points behind 10th-placed Getafe.
Match preview
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Alaves secured a return to La Liga through last season's Segunda Division playoffs, and it has been an impressive campaign for the Basque outfit, who currently sit up in 11th position in the table.
The Blue and Whites have won 11, drawn eight and lost 15 of their 34 league matches to collect 41 points, and they are only two points behind 10th-placed Getafe in the battle for a top-half finish.
Luis Garcia Plaza's side will also enter this match in excellent form, recording three straight wins over Atletico Madrid, Celta Vigo and Valencia, scoring six times and conceding zero, and they have not been beaten on home soil since the end of March.
Any spot above 18th would have been considered a successful campaign for Alaves on their return to this level, but the team have certainly performed above expectations, and they will be eyeing another three points ahead of their next fixture away to Real Madrid on May 14.
El Glorioso have picked up 27 points from their 17 home league matches this season, while Girona have claimed 30 points from their 17 fixtures on the road, which is the third-best away record in the division.
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Girona secured Champions League qualification for the 2024-25 campaign courtesy of their 4-2 success over Barcelona last Saturday, and the result also confirmed Real Madrid as La Liga champions.
Michel's side were ultimately unable to keep pace with Real Madrid at the top of the division, but a remarkable campaign has left them in second spot in the table, one point above third-placed Barcelona.
This is only Girona's fourth campaign at this level, previously finishing 10th, 18th and 10th, so it has been a historic season, and the Catalan team will be present in the group stage of next season's Champions League.
The White and Reds will also enter this match off the back of a three-game winning run, beating Cadiz, Las Palmas and Barcelona since their last defeat to Atletico Madrid on April 13.
Girona will be looking to do a league double over Alaves, having recorded a 3-0 victory when the two teams locked horns for the reverse fixture back in December. However, their last meeting in Spain's top flight at Mendizorrotza Stadium brought a 2-1 victory for Alaves in May 2019.
Team News
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Alaves suffered a fresh injury in their clash against Valencia, with Andoni Gorosabel being forced off with a muscular problem which could sideline him for the remainder of the season.
Ruben Duarte and Aleksandar Sedlar are also still absent due to fitness problems, while on-loan Atletico Madrid forward Samu Omorodion is suspended due to the milestone booking that he picked up last time out.
There may just be the one change from the side that took to the field for the first whistle against Valencia, with Rafa Marin coming in for the injured Gorosabel on the right side of the defence.
As for Girona, Joel Roca and Ricard Artero remain on the sidelines, while Borja Garcia, Cristhian Stuani and Savio are also doubts for the visitors on Friday night.
Savio was forced off in the latter stages of the success over Barcelona last time out, and his absence would open the door for Portu, who netted twice off the bench against Xavi's side, to come into the XI.
David Lopez will be fit despite his withdrawal in the second half last weekend, while Aleix Garcia and Yangel Herrera are set to continue in the middle of midfield.
Artem Dovbyk has scored 20 La Liga goals during an excellent first season at this level, and the 26-year-old will again operate in the final third of the field in this contest.
Alaves possible starting lineup:
Sivera; Marin, Abqar, Tenaglia, J Lopez; Benavidez, Blanco; Vicente, Guridi, Simeone; Kike Garcia
Girona possible starting lineup:
Gazzaniga; E Garcia, D Lopez, Blind, Gutierrez; Herrera, A Garcia; Tsyhankov, Martin, Portu; Dovbyk
We say: Alaves 1-1 Girona
Alaves are flying at the moment, and this is shaping up to be a very tough match for Girona. Michel's side will be desperate to claim second, but they have already secured Champions League football for next season, so there is no major pressure on them late in the campaign. It would not be a surprise to see a home or indeed an away win, but we fancy the points to be shared on Friday night.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Matt Law
