Predicted Teams Girona-Barcelona: Xavi facing Pedri dilemma for Catalan derby

3rd plays 2nd at Montilivi on Saturday evening, with Girona hosting Barcelona in the second Catalan derby of the season. Michel Sanchez’s side secured a famous victory at the Estadi Olimpic earlier in the campaign, and they would leapfrog Los Blaugrana if they can repeat that result on this occasion – it would also officially confirm Real Madrid as La Liga champions.

Barcelona’s line-up is almost set in stone, with only one position likely to be decided upon – that being who will partner Andreas Christensen and Ilkay Gundogan in midfield. Sport believe that Fermin Lopez, who scored last time out against Valencia, will retain place, whereas MD expect Pedri to start.

The two publications also disagree on Girona’s line-up. Sport believe that Michel will name the same XI that defeated Las Palmas last Saturday, whereas MD predict Viktor Tsygankov to start in place of Ivan Martin, with Yan Couto pushed into a deeper role.

This could be a cracking occasion at Montilivi. Barcelona need to avoid defeat in order to retain second place, but Girona have an excellent record on their home turf, so it will be very tough task for Xavi Hernandez’s men to avoid defeat.