Prediction: Girona vs Elche

Prediction: Girona to win

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Betfair

Girona will be looking to win the second leg of their Segunda Division Playoff Final against Elche at Estadi Montilivi on Sunday. With the first leg at Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero having ended in a goalless draw on Thursday evening, the second leg this weekend promises to be an intriguing and nerve-racking affair. There could be a few goals in this game, and one should not be surprised if there is some big action in the final 15 minutes given the nature of such matches.

Elche

Elche finished sixth in the regular Segunda Division season with 61 points from 42 matches. Pacheta’s side ended up a point head Rayo Vallecano and CF Fuenlabrada, who claimed the seventh and eighth spot respectively. Then in the semi-final playoff, Elche drew the first leg against Real Zaragoza 0-0 before winning the second leg 1-0 to go through 1-0 on aggregate. Los Ilicitanos actually had a man sent off in the first leg, and credit must be given to the entire team for the way they got the job done in the semi-final. Elche had chances in the first half, but Girona were arguably the better of the two teams, and the feeling was that the home team got away without conceding a goal.

Team news

Juan Cruz has provided eight assists for Elche in the league this season, while wingers Fiden and Josan have contributed seven assists each. All three players will be looking to create problems for the Girona defence.

Girona

Girona will consider themselves unlucky not to have won against Elche in the first leg on Thursday evening. Francisco’s side had the better of the chances, with former Leeds United attacking Samuel Saiz and ex-Middlesbrough striker Cristhian Stuani asking a lot of questions of the home team’s defence. The state of the pitch at Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero did not help matters either. Girona won the first leg of their semi-final tie against Almeria 1-0 and the second leg 2-1 to book their place in the final 3-1 on aggregate. The Blanquivermells finished fifth in the ‘regular’ Segunda Division season with 63 points from 42 matches.

Team news

Stuani has scored 29 goals in the league for Girona this season, and the 33-year-old will leave leading the line for the home team. Saiz is a very creative player, and the former Leeds ace will be looking to supply Uruguay international striker.

Key Factors to Consider

• Elche are unbeaten in their last four league games.
• Elche’s last away game ended in a 1-0 victory over Zaragoza.
• Girona’s last home match saw them beat Almeria 1-0.
• Girona are unbeaten in their last three league games.
• Girona have two of the best attacking players in Saiz and Stuani.

Conclusion

Girona do have better creative players, and playing at home will give them the edge. True, there will be no fans present at Estadi Montilivi, but playing amid familiar surroundings will make them feel at home. If Francisco’s side start on the front foot and score first, then it is hard to see Elche launch a comeback.

Prediction: Girona to win

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Betfair