Espanyol Girona Line‑up Clash: Full Starting XI and Injury Update for La Liga Round 7

Confirmed Starting XI and Tactical Shapes

Both clubs have stuck to their preferred systems for this encounter. Girona line up in a 3‑5‑2, with Paulo Gazzaniga guarding the net. The back three—Alejandro Francés, Vitor Reis and veteran Daley Blind—offer a blend of youth and experience, while wing‑backs Hugo Rincon and Álex Moreno provide width and defensive cover.

In midfield, Axel Witsel brings composure alongside Iván Martin and Azzedine Ounahi, creating a three‑man engine that can press high or sit deep. Up front, Cristian Portu partners Vladyslav Vanat, giving the Catalan side two varied attacking threats—Portu’s movement and Vanat’s physical presence.

Espanyol, by contrast, opt for a classic 4‑4‑2. Marko Dmitrovic starts between the sticks, and a back four of Omar El Hilali, Fernando Calero, Clemens Riedel and Carlos Romero gives the team a solid defensive base. The midfield quartet—Tyrhys Dolan, Urko González, Pol Lozano and Pere Milla—offers both creativity and work rate, while the strike partnership of Javier Puado and Roberto Fernández promises pace and finishing.

The referee for the match will be Francisco José Hernández Maeso, who will have a busy night managing two contrasting styles on one pitch.

Injury Woes, Table Positions and Historical Edge

Girona’s squad is hit hard by injuries. Seven first‑team regulars are unavailable: Abel Ruiz, Ricard Artero, Viktor Tsigankov, Juan Carlos, David Lopez, Donny van de Beek and Thomas Lemar. The list includes a mix of defenders, midfielders and forwards, forcing coach to reshuffle the lineup and rely on younger or less‑tested players.

Espanyol enjoy a clean bill of health. No reported injuries mean they can field their strongest XI, which should give them a fire‑power boost against a depleted side.

When it comes to the league table, the contrast is stark. Espanyol sit comfortably in 4th place, eyeing European spots, while Girona linger near the bottom in 19th, desperate for points to stay clear of the relegation zone.

Historically, Girona holds an edge in this rivalry. In 15 previous meetings they have recorded eight wins, three losses and four draws against Espanyol. That advantage could be a psychological boost, but the injury crisis may blunt its impact.

All eyes will be on how Girona copes with missing key players and whether Espanyol can translate their health and higher league standing into a three‑point haul. The clash at Estadi Municipal de Montilivi promises excitement, tactical battles and a test of depth for the Catalan clubs.