Espanyol vs Girona Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Friday, 16 January

Espanyol will host Girona at the RCDE Stadium this Friday, 16 January, in an exciting LaLiga clash. As both teams look to climb the league standings, this match offers a crucial opportunity for Espanyol to make the most of their home advantage. Girona, meanwhile, will aim to disrupt Espanyol’s plans and secure valuable points on the road. This prediction, match preview, and betting tips article provides insights into what could be a tightly contested encounter.

The RCDE Stadium will set the stage for this intriguing LaLiga fixture, where Espanyol and Girona will battle it out. Espanyol’s recent home form could prove pivotal, while Girona’s resilience away from home adds an interesting dynamic to the game. With both teams eager to improve their league positions, fans can expect a competitive match that could have significant implications for their respective campaigns.

Espanyol vs Girona Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Espanyol to triumph	1.89

Based on current form and statistics, Espanyol to win is our recommended betting tip for this match. Espanyol have been strong at home this season, securing 6 wins out of their last 10 home games, while Girona have struggled on the road with only 2 away victories.

• Espanyol have scored in 80% of their home matches, showing consistency in finding the back of the net.
• Girona concede an average of 1.8 goals per game, indicating vulnerabilities in their defence.
• Girona’s struggle to maintain form away from home, with only 2 wins on the road, adds confidence to this bet.

Given Espanyol’s solid home record and Girona’s difficulties away from home, backing Espanyol to win appears to be a smart choice.

Betting Odds

Espanyol are stepping onto their home turf at RCDE Stadium as favourites against Girona, with bookmakers offering odds of 1.89 for a home win. Girona, however, are priced at 4.15, suggesting a potential upset for those willing to back the underdogs.

Betting Tip	Odds
Espanyol to win	1.89
Draw	3.46
Girona to win	4.15

The draw is also a tempting option at 3.46, reflecting the competitive nature of this LaLiga clash. For those looking to explore further, the over 2.5 goals market could be worth a punt, given both teams’ recent attacking displays.

Espanyol Analysis & Past Performance

Espanyol currently sit 5th in LaLiga, having accumulated 34 points from 19 matches. The team have shown a balanced performance with 10 wins, 5 losses, and 4 draws, maintaining a win ratio of 53%. Their ability to score in 15 of these games highlights their offensive capabilities.

Home Side	Away Side	Outcome	League	Date
Levante	Espanyol	1 – 1 (Draw)	LaLiga	11 Jan 2026
Espanyol	Barcelona	0 – 2 (Loss)	LaLiga	3 Jan 2026
Athletic Club	Espanyol	1 – 2 (Win)	LaLiga	22 Dec 2025
Getafe	Espanyol	0 – 1 (Win)	LaLiga	13 Dec 2025
Espanyol	Rayo Vallecano	1 – 0 (Win)	LaLiga	7 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Espanyol’s recent form has been commendable, securing 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in their last five matches. They’ve managed to score an average of 1.00 goal per game while conceding 0.80, with two clean sheets indicating a solid defensive unit. However, the team’s scoring could be more consistent, as evidenced by their 0-2 loss against Barcelona.

Espanyol’s home performance has been relatively strong, winning 6 of their last 10 home games, translating to a 60% win ratio at RCDE Stadium. Despite a recent home defeat, their attacking threats, led by top scorer Pere Milla with 6 goals, remain potent. The team’s defensive resilience is further underscored by 3 clean sheets in their last 10 league outings.

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Espanyol Suspensions & Injuries

Espanyol face the upcoming clash against Girona with a relatively clean bill of health, though they are missing Javi Puado due to a season-ending cruciate ligament injury. While Puado’s absence is significant given his attacking prowess, Espanyol’s current formation and starting line-up appear largely unaffected, with the starting eleven intact. The 4-4-2 setup will rely heavily on Pere Milla and Kike García to fill the void in offensive creativity and goal-scoring opportunities.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Javi Puado	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for the season

With no major disruptions from injuries or suspensions, Espanyol manager Manolo González can maintain tactical consistency. The team’s depth should compensate for Puado’s absence, with players like Jofre Carreras likely to take on additional responsibilities in midfield. This could lead to slight tactical tweaks, such as increased reliance on wing play and exploiting set-piece opportunities.

From a betting perspective, the stability in Espanyol’s line-up might provide them with a slight edge, especially playing at home. However, Girona’s form and potential to exploit any lapses in Espanyol’s defensive setup keep the outcome uncertain, adding an intriguing layer to the betting markets.

Espanyol Key Players

Espanyol’s attacking prowess is spearheaded by Pere Milla, their top scorer with 6 goals this season. Milla’s clinical finishing and ability to find space in the opposition defence make him a constant threat. His partnership with Kike García in the forward line is expected to be crucial, with García’s physicality complementing Milla’s agility and precision.

In midfield, Edu Expósito is an influential playmaker, known for his vision and passing accuracy, which will be vital in controlling the tempo against Girona. Tyrhys Dolan’s dynamic presence on the wing adds an additional layer of threat, capable of delivering precise crosses and stretching the opposition defence.

Expected line-up for Espanyol

• Goalkeeper: Marko Dmitrović
• Defence: Omar El Hilali, Fernando Calero, Leandro Cabrera, Carlos Romero
• Midfield: Tyrhys Dolan, Edu Expósito, Jofre Carreras, Urko González de Zárate
• Forward: Pere Milla, Kike García

Defensively, the solid pairing of Fernando Calero and Leandro Cabrera will be pivotal in maintaining Espanyol’s structure and resilience at the back. Calero’s tactical awareness and Cabrera’s aerial dominance are key strengths that could help neutralise Girona’s attacking threats. Overall, Espanyol’s blend of attacking flair and defensive solidity positions them well for this encounter.

Espanyol Tactics and Formation

Espanyol Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Pere Milla
• Midfield Core: Edu Expósito and Jofre Carreras
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Strong focus on wing play and solid defensive lines.

Espanyol’s 4-4-2 formation provides a balanced approach, allowing them to maintain defensive solidity while offering width through their wingers. Tyrhys Dolan and Jofre Carreras on the wings are instrumental in stretching the opposition and creating space for forwards Pere Milla and Kike García.

Defensively, the back four of Omar El Hilali, Fernando Calero, Leandro Cabrera, and Carlos Romero have been integral to Espanyol’s recent clean sheets. The defensive unit is well-organised, ensuring minimal gaps for opponents to exploit, contributing to their two clean sheets in the last five matches.

Offensively, Espanyol focus on utilising their wingers to initiate attacks, often relying on Milla’s finishing prowess. The team’s ability to control the game through midfielders Edu Expósito and Urko González de Zárate is crucial, especially in maintaining possession and dictating the tempo.

Girona Analysis & Past Performance

Girona’s recent form has been somewhat inconsistent, with three wins and two losses in their last five matches. The team currently sit in 13th place in LaLiga, having accumulated 21 points. Their most recent victory against Osasuna (1-0) highlighted their ability to secure narrow wins, although they were outshot 12 to 8, indicating a need to improve their offensive efficiency.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	League	Date
Girona	Osasuna	1 – 0 (Win)	LaLiga	10 Jan 2026
Mallorca	Girona	1 – 2 (Win)	LaLiga	4 Jan 2026
Girona	Atlético Madrid	0 – 3 (Loss)	LaLiga	21 Dec 2025
Real Sociedad	Girona	1 – 2 (Win)	LaLiga	12 Dec 2025
Elche	Girona	3 – 0 (Loss)	LaLiga	7 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• WWLWL

Girona’s attack has averaged 1.00 goals per game over the last five matches, while their defence has conceded an average of 1.60 goals per match, resulting in only one clean sheet. This suggests that while they have the capability to score, defensive solidity remains a concern. Away from home, Girona have managed to win two out of their last five fixtures, which underscores a reasonable away performance with a win ratio of 40%.

Girona Suspensions & Injuries

Girona face a challenging situation with several key injuries impacting their squad depth and tactical flexibility. Ricard Artero’s broken ankle and Juan Carlos’s cruciate ligament injury, with an expected return in early March, significantly weaken the midfield options. Portu’s season-ending injury further limits attacking versatility, while Abel Ruiz’s hamstring issue, sidelining him until late January, adds to the attacking woes. Azzedine Ounahi’s leg injury and suspension for national team duties exacerbate midfield shortages, though Axel Witsel’s potential return might provide a late boost.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Azzedine Ounahi	International Duty	1	Unknown
Lass Kourouma	Red Card	1	Unknown

The suspension of Lass Kourouma due to a red card reduces defensive options, necessitating tactical adjustments from coach Míchel. The absence of Ounahi, serving the last of his four-match ban, further complicates Girona’s midfield setup. These suspensions force reliance on available players like Arnau Martínez and Iván Martín to fill the gaps, potentially impacting Girona’s ability to maintain their preferred 4-2-3-1 formation effectively.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Ricard Artero	Broken ankle	Unknown
Juan Carlos	Cruciate ligament injury	Early March 2026
Donny van de Beek	Cruciate ligament injury	Late April 2026
Portu	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season
Abel Ruiz	Hamstring injury	Late January 2026
Azzedine Ounahi	Leg injury	Unknown
Axel Witsel	Physical discomfort	Doubtful

Girona’s tactical adjustments may include shifting Arnau Martínez into a more central role or bringing in less experienced players from the bench to cover for injured and suspended regulars. These enforced changes could impact Girona’s defensive solidity and attacking fluidity, affecting their overall performance against Espanyol and possibly influencing betting markets in favour of the hosts.

Girona Key Players

Girona will be heavily reliant on their top scorer, Vladyslav Vanat, who has netted 5 goals this season. Vanat’s clinical finishing and ability to find space in the box make him a constant threat to opposition defences. His role as the lone forward means he will be pivotal in converting chances created by the midfield.

In midfield, Viktor Tsygankov and Thomas Lemar are expected to be significant influencers. Tsygankov’s vision and passing range, combined with Lemar’s dribbling and creativity, provide Girona with a dynamic attacking threat. Their ability to link up with Vanat could be decisive in breaking down Espanyol’s defence. Defensively, the experienced Daley Blind offers leadership and composure at the back, crucial for maintaining a solid defensive structure.

Expected line-up for Girona

• Goalkeeper: Paulo Gazzaniga
• Defence: Alejandro Francés, Vítor Reis, Daley Blind, Álex Moreno
• Midfield: Iván Martín, Arnau Martínez, Viktor Tsygankov, Thomas Lemar, Bryan Gil
• Forward: Vladyslav Vanat

Girona Tactics and Formation

Girona Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Vladyslav Vanat
• Midfield Pivot: Iván Martín and Arnau Martínez
• Defensive Strength: Recently added Daley Blind offers experience
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on width and quick transitions.

Girona’s approach with a 4-2-3-1 formation is designed to provide balanced width and defensive stability. Iván Martín and Arnau Martínez serve as the midfield pivot, tasked with breaking up play and distributing the ball effectively. Their role will be crucial in both shielding the backline and initiating attacks.

Defensively, the presence of Daley Blind alongside Vítor Reis provides a blend of experience and youthful energy at the heart of Girona’s defence. Álex Moreno and Alejandro Francés as full-backs are expected to offer support in both defensive duties and overlapping runs.

Offensively, Vladyslav Vanat leads the attack, supported by creative talents like Thomas Lemar and Bryan Gil on the wings. Girona aim to exploit their pace and width, often focusing on quick transitions to catch opponents off guard. Despite only one clean sheet in recent outings, their tactical discipline remains a cornerstone of their strategy.

Espanyol vs Girona H2H Record

Espanyol and Girona have faced off 16 times, with Girona leading the head-to-head record with 9 wins compared to Espanyol’s 3, and 5 matches ending in draws. Their most recent encounter in LaLiga ended in a goalless draw on 26 September 2025, showing how tight these matches can be.

The last time Espanyol hosted Girona at the RCDE Stadium in LaLiga, the match ended in a 1-1 draw on 10 March 2025. Despite Espanyol’s home advantage, Girona have often managed to leave with points, highlighting their strong away form in this fixture.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Girona	Espanyol	0 – 0	LaLiga	2025-09-26
Girona	Espanyol	0 – 0 (Penalty shoot-out: 5 – 4)	Club Friendlies	2025-07-23
Espanyol	Girona	1 – 1	LaLiga	2025-03-10
Girona	Espanyol	4 – 1	LaLiga	2024-11-23
Girona	Espanyol	0 – 0	Club Friendlies	2024-07-27