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Girona kick off their Segunda Division campaign by hosting newly promoted Amorebieta at the Montilivi Stadium on Saturday.
Girona have lost the promotion playoff final in successive seasons after finishing fifth in the Segunda Division table in 2019-20 and 2020-21. They will be keen to ensure their third consecutive season in LaLiga2 ends in promotion.
In contrast to their affluent City Football Group opponents, Amorebieta have achieved promotion to the second division for the first time in their history. They defeated Badajoz in the promotion playoffs.
Given the basic nature of their 'stadium', Urritxe, they will play their games at Athletic Bilbao's training center in Lezama.
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Girona come into this game on the back of three wins and two defeats in pre-season, albeit two of those wins came against Barca B and Espanyol B.
Defeat to Barcelona's senior side (1-3) was expected, but a 1-2 loss to third tier Gimnastic de Tarragona was sobering.
Amorebieta's lengthy pre-season involved four losses, two draws and two wins, including an impressive 2-1 victory over Eibar.
But the concerning fact for the Basque minnows was the absence of clean sheets in eight games, letting in 14 goals while scoring 12 themselves.
Girona vs Amorebieta Head-To-Head
This is Amorebieta's first outing in the second tier of Spanish football. Also, Girona's last outing below the top two tiers of Spanish football coming in 2007-08. Hence, it's safe to say there have been no games between the pair this last decade.
Girona Form Guide: W-L-W-W-L
Amorebieta Form Guide: D-W-W-L-D
Girona vs Amorebieta Team News
Girona
Michel faces a few issues ahead of the season opener. On-loan Manchester City winger Dario Sarmiento is yet to be registered by the club, despite impressing in pre-season. Centre-back Santi Bueno is unavailable through injury, although veteran Bernardo was likely to partner Juanpe in defence anyway.
Colombian left-back Johan Mojica is about to make his loan to Elche permanent and is unlikely to feature.
Injured: Santi Bueno
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Amorebieta
Inigo Velez has a fully fit squad to choose from going into the season opener, having utilized most of his squad in pre-season.
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Girona vs Amorebieta Predicted XI
Girona Predicted XI (4-3-3): Juan Carlos (GK); Jordi Calavera, Juanpe, Bernardo, David Junca; Ramon Terrats, Gerard Gumbau, Aleix Garcia; Samu Saiz, Cristhian Stuani, Nahuel Bustos
Amorebieta Predicted XI (5-3-2): Roberto Santamaria (GK); Aitor Aldalur, Benat Garro, Aitor Arregi, Jon Irazabal, Josu Ozkoidi; Iker Bilbao, Mikel San Jose, Asier Etxaburu; Gorka Guruzeta, Koldo Obieta
Girona vs Amorebieta Prediction
Amorebieta's penchant for leaking goals ought to work in favour of Cristhian Stuani, who has scored against 52 of the 56 opponents he's faced in Spain. Girona will be keen to start on a strong note, while Amorebieta might have their work cut out in their first La Liga 2 game.
We expect an easy victory for Girona, who can finally end their streak of not winning their league opener since 2016.
Prediction: Girona 3-1 Amorebieta
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