Preview of Girona vs Athletic Bilbao at 20:00 on March 14, La Liga Round 28

Preview of Girona vs Athletic Bilbao (20:00, March 14). Prediction of the result, expected lineups, expert analysis for the match between Girona and Athletic Bilbao in La Liga Round 28.

Match preview: Girona vs Athletic Bilbao

Girona enters Round 28 aiming to accumulate more points to solidify their safety in the relegation battle. Currently, the Catalan side sits 15th with 31 points, holding a 6-point gap from the danger zone. However, the recent form of coach Michel's team has not been impressive, having won only one of their last seven matches in La Liga. Girona's biggest weakness this season lies in their defense, which has conceded 43 goals, coupled with the third worst home record in the league (earning only 16 points from 13 matches).

Girona's greatest morale boost at this moment is the surprising victory over Barcelona in mid-February. If they can recreate that excitement, they have a real chance to secure points against a Bilbao side also facing difficulties. However, with the absence of several key players due to injuries, coach Michel will have a headache in arranging personnel to face the Basque team.

On the other side, Athletic Bilbao is experiencing a season full of ups and downs. After being eliminated from the Copa del Rey by their historic rival Real Sociedad and losing 0-1 to Barcelona, "The Lions" are eager for a win to keep hopes alive for a top-six finish. Currently, Bilbao is in 10th place but trails the European cup qualification spot held by Celta Vigo by exactly 5 points. A victory over Girona would be a major boost for coach Ernesto Valverde's team to get back on track.

Head-to-head history shows that San Mames (Bilbao's home ground) is where they dominate, but whenever they travel to Catalonia, Bilbao often faces significant challenges. They have secured only one victory at Girona's stadium since 2019. With a squad depleted by injuries and suspensions, a pragmatic approach and the ability to capitalize on set-piece situations by players like Inaki Williams or Oihan Sancet will be key for Bilbao to gain an advantage.

Squad Status for Girona vs Athletic Bilbao

Girona: Missing several key players including Juan Carlos, Donny van de Beek, Portu, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Bryan Gil due to injuries. Veteran Cristhian Stuani requires a last-minute fitness test to determine availability.

Athletic Bilbao: Nico Williams, Benat Prados, and Unai Egiluz are definitely absent. Maroan Sannadi, Aitor Paredes, and Unai Gomez are doubtful. Additionally, Alejandro Rego is unavailable due to reaching the yellow card limit.

Expected Lineups for Girona vs Athletic Bilbao

Girona (4-2-3-1): Gazzaniga; Rincon, Frances, Blind, Martinez; Witsel, Beltran; Tsygankov, Lemar, Roca; Vanat

Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1): Simon; Gorosabel, Vivian, Laporte, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; I Williams, Sancet, Berenguer; Guruzeta

Head-to-head History and Form of Girona vs Athletic Bilbao

Girona's Form:

07/03/26: Levante 1-1 Girona (La Liga)

02/03/26: Girona 1-2 Celta Vigo (La Liga)

24/02/26: Alaves 2-2 Girona (La Liga)

17/02/26: Girona 2-1 Barcelona (La Liga)

08/02/26: Sevilla 1-1 Girona (La Liga)

Athletic Bilbao's Form:

08/03/26: Athletic Bilbao 0-1 Barcelona (La Liga)

05/03/26: Real Sociedad 1-0 Athletic Bilbao (Copa del Rey)

28/02/26: Rayo Vallecano 1-1 Athletic Bilbao (La Liga)

21/02/26: Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Elche (La Liga)

15/02/26: Real Oviedo 1-2 Athletic Bilbao (La Liga)

Head-to-head History Girona vs Athletic Bilbao:

24/09/25: Athletic Bilbao 1-1 Girona (La Liga)

08/02/25: Athletic Bilbao 3-0 Girona (La Liga)

06/10/24: Girona 2-1 Athletic Bilbao (La Liga)

20/02/24: Athletic Bilbao 3-2 Girona (La Liga)

28/11/23: Girona 1-1 Athletic Bilbao (La Liga)

Prediction for Girona vs Athletic Bilbao Result

Both teams enter this match with significant squad losses and unstable form. Girona has home advantage but possesses a rather fragile defense, while Bilbao, though slightly superior in quality, often stumble away from home. The first meeting between the two ended in a draw, and this scenario is likely to repeat in a tight and cautious contest.

Predicted Score for Girona vs Athletic Bilbao: 1-1