Spanish La Liga side Girona will host English Premier League giants Arsenal at the Municipal Montilivi on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, in the final round of the new-look UEFA Champions League group-stage matches.
Match Overview
Girona, coached by Míchel, will play for pride as their Champions League journey is already over. With just three points from seven games, they are unable to reach the playoffs, as Stuttgart, occupying the final qualification spot (24th), have 10 points.
Arsenal, on the other hand, are looking to secure at least a point to guarantee their place in the Round of 16. Sitting in third place with 16 points after seven games, the Gunners could also progress even with a loss, depending on results elsewhere.
In their last Champions League games, Girona fell to a 1-0 defeat against AC Milan, while Arsenal triumphed 3-0 over Dinamo Zagreb, with goals from Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, and Martin Ødegaard.
Girona recent form analysis
Girona’s recent form has been inconsistent, with three losses in their last five matches across all competitions, although they managed two wins in the same period. They scored six goals and conceded five. Over the weekend, they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Rayo Vallecano in La Liga.
Last five games: 2 wins, 3 losses.
Latest result: Rayo Vallecano 2-1 Girona.
Arsenal recent form analysis
Arsenal have shown better consistency, winning three and drawing two of their last five matches. During this time, the Gunners have scored nine goals and conceded four. Over the weekend, they edged Wolves 1-0, with Ricardo Calafiori scoring the only goal.
Last five games: 3 wins, 2 draws.
Latest result: Wolves 0-1 Arsenal.
Head-to-head
This will be the first competitive meeting between Girona and Arsenal, offering both sides the opportunity to create history in this fixture.
Our prediction for Girona vs Arsenal
Arsenal have been in strong form throughout their Champions League campaign, while Girona have struggled both at home and in Europe. Considering the stakes, the Gunners are expected to deliver a solid performance to secure their Round of 16 qualification.
Betting tips:
- Away win (Arsenal): Odds of 1.67 on 1xBet.
- Over 2.5 goals: Odds of 1.80 on 1xBet.
Player to watch
Ethan Nwaneri: The 17-year-old Englishman of Nigerian descent is quickly establishing himself as a key player for Arsenal. With five goals in 20 games this season, Nwaneri has stepped up in the absence of Bukayo Saka and could prove pivotal against Girona.
Thomas Partey: Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey continues to vindicate his stance as one of the most crucial players in Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal setup. Operating both at right-back and midfield, the 31-year-old has played 33 games, chipping in with two goals and as many assists.
Best odds and betting tips
Here are the top betting tips for this match:
- Away win (Arsenal): Odds of 1.67 on 1xBet.
- Over 2.5 goals: Odds of 1.80 on 1xBet.
