The Catalan derby returns to the spotlight in La Liga Matchday 9 as FC Barcelona hosts Girona FC at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Saturday, October 18, 2025. With kickoff set for 4:15 p.m. CET (10:15 a.m. ET), this clash pits second-placed Barcelona—two points behind leaders Real Madrid—against a struggling Girona side sitting 18th in the table. For Hansi Flick’s Blaugrana, it’s a must-win to reclaim the top spot and build momentum ahead of a blockbuster El Clásico against Madrid on October 26. Girona, under Míchel, desperately needs points to escape the relegation zone after a dismal start to the 2025-26 season.
This Barcelona vs Girona preview dives into recent form, key tactical battles, the latest injury updates, predicted lineups, and our score prediction.
Injury Updates
Barcelona’s injury woes have reached epidemic levels, with over 30% of their senior squad sidelined as El Clásico looms. The international break exacerbated the problem, ruling out several stars for this derby and beyond. Here’s the latest:
Barcelona Injury List
- Robert Lewandowski (Hamstring): Out for 4-5 weeks; misses Girona and likely El Clásico. Four goals in nine games this season.
- Ferran Torres (Hamstring Overload): Confirmed out for Girona after muscular discomfort with Spain; return expected post-international break.
- Dani Olmo (Calf): Suffered on international duty; doubtful for Girona and major doubt for Madrid (early November return).
- Raphinha (Hamstring): Three-week absence; back late October, missing this game.
- Lamine Yamal (Groin): Recurring issue kept him out of Spain duty; fit for bench but limited minutes.
- Fermin López (Hamstring): Back from injury but managed minutes only.
- Gavi (Knee/Meniscus): Long-term; out until early November after surgery.
- Marc-André ter Stegen (Back): Post-surgery recovery; return late January 2026.
- Joan García (Knee/Meniscus): Out until early November.
Positive notes: Wojciech Szczęsny steps in goal, while Pau Cubarsí and Ronald Araujo anchor a depleted defense.
Girona Injury and Suspension List
Girona’s list is lengthy but less disruptive to their core XI:
- Injuries: David López (Thigh, early October return), Viktor Tsygankov (Thigh, doubt), Juan Carlos (Cruciate, March 2026), Donny van de Beek (Achilles, six months out), Azzedine Ounahi (Calf, doubt), Abel Ruiz (Muscle/Groin, doubt), Thomas Lemar (Injury, out).
- Suspensions: Iván Martín (Red card), Alejandro Francés (Red card).
Paulo Gazzaniga and Daley Blind are fit despite earlier concerns, bolstering a backline that has improved in recent outings.
These absences force both managers to improvise, but Barcelona’s depth gives them an edge despite the crisis.
Predicted Lineups: Flick’s Adaptive Attack vs. Míchel’s Counter-Threat
With Lewandowski and Torres out, Flick shifts to a fluid 4-3-3 emphasizing Marcus Rashford up top and youth integration. Míchel sticks to his trusted 3-4-3 for transitions.
Barcelona Predicted XI (4-3-3)
- GK: Wojciech Szczęsny
- DEF: Jules Koundé, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsí, Alejandro Balde
- MID: Marc Casadó, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri
- FWD: Roony Bardghji, , Marcus Rashford Fermín López
Key Changes: Rashford leads the line (four assists this season), with Bardghji and Yamal providing width. Pedri returns to dictate play. Bench: Lamine Yamal (limited), Eric García.
Girona Predicted XI (3-4-3)
- GK: Paulo Gazzaniga
- DEF: Arnau Martínez, Vítor Reis, Daley Blind
- MID: Hugo Rincón, Axel Witsel, Jhon Solís, Álex Moreno
- FWD: Joel Roca, Bryan Gil, Vladyslav Vanat
Key Changes: Witsel anchors midfield amid suspensions; Vanat (recent scorer) spearheads the attack. Asprilla could rotate in for pace. Bench: Yáser Asprilla, Cristián Portu.
Tactical Focus: Barcelona’s press could exploit Girona’s high line, but Míchel’s wing-backs (Rincón, Moreno) will target Balde’s recovering form.
Score Prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Girona
Despite the injury toll, Barcelona’s home dominance and historical edge make them clear favorites. Girona’s recent resilience suggests they’ll score—BTTS has landed in seven of their last 10 away games—but their defense can’t contain Rashford and co. We predict a 3-1 Barcelona win.
