Girona will take on Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, 14 March, with time running out for the visitors to put themselves in the conversation for La Liga's European spots.
Athletic Club have been regulars in Europe for several years now, but with 11 games of the season to go, they sit five points away from the top six.
Girona, meanwhile, are floundering towards the bottom of the division once again. At present, there is a healthy six-point gap between themselves and the drop zone, but they are not out of the woods yet.
Before taking a look at the rest of today's betting tips, check out our Girona vs Athletic Bilbao prediction below.
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Girona vs Athletic Bilbao key stats
- Girona have won just one of their last five matches in all competitions.
- Athletic Bilbao have won three of their last five La Liga matches.
- More than two goals have been scored in three of the last four meetings between the two sides.
Girona vs Athletic Bilbao preview: Visitors to scrape a win
| Girona | vs | Athletic Bilbao |
|---|---|---|
| 15th | Position | 10th |
| 31 | Points | 35 |
| 28 | Goals For | 30 |
| 43 | Goals Against | 37 |
| 4 | Clean Sheets | 6 |
| 18th | Home Rank | 8th |
| 10th | Away Rank | 12th |
Girona are a far cry from the team that finished third just two seasons ago, but that will happen when your best players are picked off by bigger teams from across Europe.
This season, they have flirted with relegation throughout, but they are just about picking up enough points to ensure they don't get fully involved. There is still plenty of time for that to change in the coming months, though.
Michel, the club's manager, has been tipped for a bigger move elsewhere ever since that aforementioned third-placed finish, and he is likely considering a switch this summer.
Girona's Vladyslav Vanat needs one more goal to reach double digits for league goals this season.
Last weekend, his side drew 1-1 with Levante, their tenth league draw of the campaign and their third in their last five league outings. Another draw on Saturday would certainly suit them more than their opponents.
On the injury front, Girona are missing Bryan Gil, Portu, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Juan Carlos and Donny van de Beek.
Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, are hoping for an injection of magic as we enter the climax of the season.
The Basque outfit have finished inside the top five in each of the last two campaigns, but they are currently eight points behind Real Betis, who occupy fifth place at present.
Only two sides in La Liga have a worse home record than Girona.
Ernesto Valverde has managed to keep hold of his job despite their disappointing form this season, perhaps on reputation alone, but back-to-back defeats in their two most recent outings have reapplied some pressure to his position.
The former Barcelona manager is wrestling with several injury problems ahead of this one. Unai Egiluz, Nico Williams and Benat Prados have all been ruled out, while there are doubts over Maroan Sannadi, Unai Gomez and Aitor Paredes.
Alejandro Rego will also miss out due to suspension.
Girona vs Athletic Bilbao form guide & betting tips
| Girona | vs | Athletic Bilbao |
|---|---|---|
| D-L-D-W-D | Form | L-L-D-W-W |
| 6 | Points | 10 |
| 14th | Form Table | 3rd |
| 7 | Goals For | 9 |
| 7 | Goals Against | 6 |
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Whispers predicts: Girona 1-2 Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao have been priced at 8/5 with Bet365 to win on Saturday, which feels like excellent value when you consider Girona's struggles. The Catalan side have picked up just 16 points from a possible 39 at home so far this season.
The over 2.5 market at 11/10 is another good bet for this match. Six of the last nine La Liga matches featuring either of these two teams have produced three goals or more.
Inaki Williams has had his worst individual season in many years, but his price of 19/5 to score anytime could appeal to some.
> Scoreline - Athletic Bilbao to win 2-1 at 9/1 | Likelihood: Outsider
> Match result - Athletic Bilbao to win at 8/5 | Likelihood: Possible
> Total goals - Over2.5 at 11/10 | Likelihood: Probable