Deportivo Alavés is set to clash with Girona this Saturday in the 12th round of the domestic league. The Vitoria-based team arrives at this encounter in a comfortable eighth place, demonstrating impressive gameplay and a defensive solidity that few teams can match.
Under the guidance of Eduardo Coudet, Alavés heads to Montilivi aiming to maintain the rhythm and intensity displayed in recent matches. They will benefit from the notable return of Jon Pacheco, who has swiftly recovered from injury, leaving only Lucas Boyé as the sole absentee due to suspension.
Since the previous international break, the only setback for the team has been a painful defeat to Rayo Vallecano. On the other hand, Girona has struggled considerably, showing alarming signs since the second half of last season and failing to improve as the new campaign has started.
Girona currently finds itself at the bottom of the table, having amassed just seven points, eight behind Alavés. Their defensive record is particularly troubling, with 24 goals conceded, making them the third worst defense among the top five European leagues. They trail only Lorient and Metz in France regarding goals allowed.
In terms of offense, the situation for Girona is equally concerning. They have scored a mere ten goals in the first 11 league matches, putting them only ahead of Osasuna, with nine, and Real Oviedo, with seven. The new signings, including Vanat, Lemar, and Bryan Gil, have yet to replicate the impactful performances of previous players like Dovbyk, Savinho, or Aleix García. At 39 years old, Cristhian Stuani remains the team’s key player, recently saving them from an early exit in the Copa del Rey against Constancia.
As Alavés arrives in Girona, they aim to extend their good form before the next international break while deepening the crisis for Michel’s side. Notably, Montilivi was where Alavés made a significant turnaround last season, securing a victory that helped them climb out of the relegation zone.
In anticipation of this matchup, there is hope for Alavés to continue their positive trajectory, while Girona will be looking to turn their fortunes around and find a way back to scoring form. The game promises to be crucial for both sides as the season progresses.