Verdict: Lamine Yamal to score anytime 

Best Odds: 29/20

Bookmaker: Luckster

With Catalonia bragging rights up for grabs on Monday night, Barcelona will travel to the Estadi Montilivi when they meet local rivals Girona.

Girona

Starting with the hosts, while Girona might have opened 2026 at the heart of a La Liga relegation scrap, Michel’s resurgent squad have certainly made some stern improvements so far this calendar year. Despite suffering last-gasp heartbreak away at Sevilla last week as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate, the Blanquivermells have suffered just a single defeat from any of their first six top-flight appearances so far this calendar year. However, despite getting the New Year underway with three consecutive La Liga victories as they skyrocketed away from the drop zone, Girona will certainly be more than aware that they face a monumental challenge on Monday night. Hit with a 2-1 loss when they travelled across Catalonia for their reverse showdown on October 18th, Michel’s side have lost their previous three matchups against the reigning Spanish champions by an aggregate score of 10-3.

Girona Team News

Only making two appearances for Girona after completing a January switch from Barcelona, veteran goalkeeper Marc-Andre her Stegen is expected to miss the remainder of the season after undergoing hamstring surgery last week. Likewise, former Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek remains on the sidelines with a long-term Achilles tendon injury.

Completing a season-long loan switch from Manchester City last summer, Brazilian starlet Vitor Reis will start at the heart of Girona’s defence. One-time Tottenham misfit Bryan Gil should keep his spot in the final third despite still waiting to open his La Liga account.

Barcelona

As for the visitors, watching their Copa del Rey dreams come to a screeching halt earlier in the week as they slumped to a 4-0 drumming away at Atletico Madrid, Barcelona will be desperately searching for an immediate response here. Nevertheless, still sat in the driving seat to defend their La Liga crown in 2026, Hansi Flick’s side will be hoping to make another title statement when they travel across Catalonia on Monday night. Last seen in La Liga action securing a thumping 3-0 win against Mallorca, the former Bayern Munich boss will be dreaming of another routine performance here. Landing that 2-1 victory when they met their local foes back on October 18th, Barcelona have also registered 25 points from their 12 La Liga showdowns on the road so far this season.

Barcelona Team News

Dealing with a recent thigh issue and not featuring over the past fortnight, Barcelona are once again expected to be without Brazilian ace Raphinha on Monday night. Likewise, missing out away at Atletico in midweek with a reported knee issue, Flick’s side will asses Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford.

Forced to settle for a spot on the bench on Thursday night, Polish record-breaker Robert Lewandowski should be handed a full recall in the final third. Recording 18 direct goal contributions in his 19 La Liga appearances this season (10 goals, eight assists), Lamine Yamal will play a leading role in attack.

Girona vs Barcelona Key Factors to Consider

• When Girona and Barcelona met for their reverse La Liga showdown on October 18th, the reigning Spanish champions claimed a 2-1 victory on home soil.
• Barca have won their previous three meetings against their local rivals by an aggregate score of 10-3.
• Girona have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous six La Liga appearances.
• Barcelona have registered 25 points from their 12 La Liga matchups on the road so far this season.
• 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal has registered 18 direct goal contributions in his 19 La Liga appearances this season (10 goals, eight assists).

Conclusion

Watching their Copa del Rey adventure come to a thumping end on Thursday night, Barcelona will know the importance of claiming an immediate response here. Landing a 2-1 victory when they met Girona for their reverse La Liga showdown back on October 18th, Flick’s reigning Spanish champions should be excited by a dominant record against their local rivals. Winning each of their previous three top-flight battles by an aggregate score of 10-3, we are expecting a similar outcome from the Estadi Montilivi on Monday.

Verdict: Lamine Yamal to score anytime 

Best Odds: 29/20

Bookmaker: Luckster