A historic night is in store as Girona hosts their first-ever Champions League fixture at the Montilivi Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Both Girona and Feyenoord are searching for their first points in the competition after difficult starts on Matchday 1.
Girona was narrowly beaten by Paris Saint-Germain, while Feyenoord suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Bayer Leverkusen. As the two sides prepare to face off, this match promises to be a thrilling and closely contested affair.
Jambobet is the best platform in Kenya, offering reliable insights and tips for this exciting Champions League clash.
Girona’s debut in the Champions League marks a significant milestone in the club’s history. However, their opening match against PSG ended in disappointment as a late error from goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga handed the French champions a 1-0 victory.
Despite the loss, Girona showed resilience, particularly in defense, and will take confidence from their performance as they return home for their first Champions League match at Montilivi.
Domestically, Girona has struggled to find form, with their last win coming on 1st September. Injuries and the departure of key players such as Savinho, Aleix Garcia, and Artem Dovbyk in the summer have further complicated their season.
However, with the support of their home crowd and the historic significance of the occasion, Girona will be eager to secure their first points in the competition.
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Feyenoord, the Dutch Eredivisie champions, have also had a tough start to their Champions League campaign. Their 4-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen on Matchday 1 highlighted the team’s defensive vulnerabilities, and the absence of star striker Santiago Gimenez, who is sidelined with a hip injury, has left a massive hole in their attack. Gimenez, who was Feyenoord’s top scorer last season, could be out for the rest of the calendar year, further dampening Feyenoord’s hopes of progressing in the competition.
Manager Brian Priske faces the challenge of reshuffling his lineup in Gimenez’s absence, with Ayase Ueda expected to lead the line. Despite their domestic success last season, Feyenoord has found it difficult to replicate that form, with just a third of their Eredivisie matches resulting in victory this season. The trip to Girona represents an opportunity to turn their fortunes around, but the task will be anything but easy.
Kickoff Details: Girona vs Feyenoord
- Location: Estadi Municipal de Montilivi, Girona, Spain
- Date: Wednesday, 2 October 2024
- Kickoff Time: 17:45 GMT / 12:45 ET / 09:45 PT
- Referee: Urs Schnyder (SUI)
- VAR: Fedayi San (SUI)
For those looking to place bets, Jambobet, Kenya’s top betting prediction site, offers expert tips and insights on this exciting clash.
Girona Team News and Predicted Lineup
Girona will be without key players Oriol Romeu and Daley Blind, both of whom were forced off during the weekend’s draw against Celta Vigo with injuries.
Their absence could force manager Michel to make adjustments, particularly in midfield. Yangel Herrera is expected to drop into a deeper role, while Portu could return to the starting lineup after coming off the bench in Girona’s last match.
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Girona’s struggles have largely been in the final third, where they have struggled to convert chances into goals. However, their defense has remained solid, and they will need to rely on that stability if they are to keep Feyenoord at bay.
Girona Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Gazzaniga
- Defenders: Frances, Krejci, Lopez, Gutierrez
- Midfielders: Martin, Herrera
- Attacking Midfielders: Tsygankov, Portu, Danjuma
- Forward: Miovski
Feyenoord Team News and Predicted Lineup
Feyenoord’s injury woes continue, with Santiago Gimenez, Calvin Stengs, and Quilindschy Hartman all set to miss this fixture. While Stengs and Hartman are nearing a return, Gimenez’s absence leaves a significant void in Feyenoord’s attack. Ayase Ueda is expected to start as the lone striker in Gimenez’s place.
Feyenoord’s midfield will feature promising talents like Hwang and Timber, while their backline, which was exposed in the defeat to Leverkusen, will need to be far more disciplined if they are to prevent Girona from capitalizing on any defensive mistakes.
Feyenoord Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Wellenreuther
- Defenders: Lotomba, Beelen, Hancko, Smal
- Midfielders: Milambo, Hwang, Timber
- Forwards: Osman, Ueda, Paixao
Key Players to Watch
Girona: Paulo Gazzaniga
Despite his mistake against PSG, Gazzaniga has been a key figure for Girona, making several important saves throughout the season. As Girona aims to keep Feyenoord at bay, Gazzaniga will need to be at his best to prevent the Dutch side from getting on the scoresheet.
Feyenoord: Ayase Ueda
With Santiago Gimenez out, the responsibility of leading Feyenoord’s attack falls to Ayase Ueda. The Japanese forward has shown glimpses of his talent, but he will need to step up in the absence of Gimenez and provide the goals that Feyenoord desperately need.
Score Prediction: Girona vs Feyenoord
Both Girona and Feyenoord have endured tough starts to their respective seasons, and this match is likely to be a closely contested affair. Girona’s defensive stability and Feyenoord’s struggles without their top scorer suggest that this game may not be filled with goals. However, with the energy and emotion surrounding Girona’s first-ever Champions League home match, the hosts may have just enough to edge out a win.
Jambobet Prediction: Girona 1-0 Feyenoord
Girona’s sturdy defense, combined with Feyenoord’s attacking struggles, gives the home side the slight advantage in what is expected to be a tense and low-scoring match. For those looking to bet on this game, Jambobet offers the best betting predictions in Kenya, providing accurate and insightful tips to help you make informed decisions.
