Preview: girona vs barcelona — possible lineups and implications for LaLiga
Match context
Girona host Barcelona at Montilivi on Monday in a fixture that carries clear implications for both clubs. Barcelona arrive under scrutiny after a heavy Copa del Rey defeat that left the squad bruised, while Girona seek a positive run to arrest a season of inconsistency. Both sides bring different forms and motivations to the Jornada 24 encounter.
Standings and stakes
Barcelona sit on 58 points and cannot afford to lose ground in the title race. Reports indicate Real Madrid recently moved to the top of the table, meaning the blaugrana need a victory to retake or keep pressure on their rivals depending on the outcome elsewhere. Girona, placed in the lower midtable with 26 points, are only a few points above the relegation zone and see this fixture as an opportunity to build momentum and end a run of mixed results.
Probable lineups
Media outlets have published possible XIs that reflect rotation and recovery choices from Barcelona’s coaching staff. One projected Barcelona eleven lists Joan García in goal behind a back four of Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Eric García and Alejandro Baldé. The midfield could feature Fermín López, Frenkie de Jong and Dani Olmo, with an attack formed by Lamine Yamal, a returning Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski leading the line.
Girona’s likely selection includes Gazzaniga in goal, a defensive unit with Hugo Rincón, Vitor Reis, Blind and Arnau, and a midfield containing Fran Beltrán and Iván Martín. The attacking options reported include Tsygankov, Thomas Lemar, Bryan Gil and striker Vanat. Coaches may still tinker with personnel and formation up to kick-off.
Team news and injuries
Barcelona are managing significant absences in the offensive unit. Pedri and Gavi remain out injured, and Marcus Rashford is not yet available. The notable boost for Hansi Flick is the recovery of Raphinha from a short adductor issue; several outlets note the team has not lost a match with the Brazilian on the field this season, which makes his return particularly welcome after the Copa defeat.
Girona enter the match without the burden of heavy expectation as favorites, but they arrive seeking consistency after a series of uneven results. The home side’s form offers them the chance to exploit any lingering uncertainty in Barcelona’s squad.
Broadcast, kick-off and logistics
The match is scheduled for Monday 16 February at Montilivi, with local kick-off listed at 21: 00. For international viewers, one timetable lists the game at 14: 00 in Mexico City and 15: 00 Eastern Time, while South American markets such as Argentina, Chile and Uruguay are indicated at 17: 00. Broadcast windows referenced include DAZN for some territories and /Sky Sports coverage in others; viewers should confirm local listings.
Key questions and what to watch
Primary questions center on Barcelona’s response to their Copa setback and whether the return of Raphinha can restore attacking fluidity alongside Lewandowski and Yamal. Defensive stability will also be under scrutiny after the cup loss; any changes to the back line or central pairing could be decisive against Girona’s counter-attacking threats.
For Girona, the focus will be on keeping the game tight, exploiting transitions and using home advantage to unsettle Barcelona. A positive result would provide a timely morale boost and could help the club move away from the relegation scrap, while a loss would deepen concerns about their season’s trajectory.
Conclusion
This meeting at Montilivi offers contrasting motivations: Barcelona chasing vital points in a tight title fight, and Girona aiming for stability and confidence. Tactical adjustments, player fitness and individual performances—particularly from returning Raphinha—are likely to determine the outcome.
