Barca visit the tiny neighbour in search of victory that would pile some more pressure on Real Madrid
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 28.01.23. | 13:20
Girona shouldn't cause too many problems for Xavi's slot, who'll be looking for their eighth consecutive win across all competitions
The Spanish title race is far from over, indeed. But there are some moments and games that have the potential to draw the line between the archrivals and omnipresent title contenders, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
The former are three points clear of their nemesis from the Spanish capital, and the expected victory against Girona on Saturday afternoon could take them six steps in front, for at least 24 hours.
The Royals are facing Sociedad on Sunday and it will be twice as challenging for them to grab a victory knowing Barcelona are in such a comfortable position.
Albeit without Robert Lewandowski, who's still serving his three-game suspension, the Blaugrana are favourites to win against the Catalan minnows. Xavi's outfit has won the last seven games across all competitions and looks confident like never before under his reign.
Anyhow, according to Catalan daily Sport, Barca will be making five changes from the Sociedad tie, with an almost complete change in defence. Sergi Roberto, Marcos Alonso and Jordi Alba are all expected to start, with Franck Kessie replacing the doubtful Pedri. Much like the last two La Liga matches, Ansu Fati is expected to play as the central striker in place of Lewa. He'll be joined by unplayable Ousmane Dembele, whose form has improved in a jaw-dropping style, transforming the French winger into one of the very best players in the entire league.
The hosts sit firmly in mid-table, but will be desperate to defeat their league-leading opponents.
LA LIGA - ROUND 19
Friday
Almeria - Espanyol 3-1 (1-0)
/Suarez 21, Baptistao 61, Portillo 77 - Joselu 90+3/
Saturday
16:00: (2.85) Cadiz (2.85) Mallorca (3.00)
18:15: (6.25) Girona (4.00) Barcelona (1.55)
20:30: (1.53) Sevilla (4.00) Elche (6.75)
23:00: (3.40) Getafe (2.80) Betis (2.65)
Sunday
16:00: (3.30) Valladolid (3.15) Valencia (2.45)
18:15: (3.50) Osasuna (3.15) Atl.Madrid (2.35)
20:30: (3.05) Celta (3.05) Ath.Bilbao (2.70)
23:00: (1.75) Real Madrid (3.70) Sociedad (5.40)
Monday
23:00: (1.73) Villareal (3.60) Rayo Vallecano (5.10)
***odds are subject to change***
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