Girona are expected to struggle against Barcelona before they can focus fully on their trip to the Parc des Princes in midweek. After a historic third-place finish last season, they have made significant changes to their squad over the summer.
The new-look Girona had an unimpressive start, drawing 1-1 with Real Betis and losing 0-3 to Atletico Madrid. But Michel's team then had two consecutive victories against Osasuna (4-0) and Sevilla (2-0). With optimism, Girona hopes to repeat their home win in May against Barcelona.
On the other side, after failing to win any titles last season, Barcelona are under great pressure as they enter the era of new coach Hansi Flick.
Perhaps more than expected, Barcelona have won all four of their opening games and are currently top of La Liga. The Blaugrana have won three straight 2-1 games against Valencia, Athletic Bilbao and Rayo Vallecano, before a 7-0 thrashing of newly promoted Real Valladolid.
Including last season, the Blaugrana have now won eight games in a row. They are now playing creative and open football under Flick. Although Girona have good statistics at home, they will surely have a tough time against Barcelona.
Force situation
Barcelona have a long injury list, including Ansu Fati, Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Marc Bernal, Ronald Araujo, Frenkie De Jong and Andreas Christensen. The good news, though, is that Gavi is finally back in training after 10 months out.
Girona will be without injured duo Ricard Artero and Jastin. Oriel Romeu will be absent due to the terms of his loan deal (Barcelona is his parent club). Yangel Herrera could feature after an adductor injury.
Expected lineup
Girona: Gazzaniga; Frances, Lopez, Blind, Gutierrez; Tsygankov, Herrera, Martin, Gil; Ruiz, Danjuma
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
