La Liga: How Long Can the Fairytale Last?

Girona vs Valencia

They are the unlikely lads making headway in La Liga – joint top going into December alongside the mighty Real Madrid.

The team from a city of fewer than 100,00 people; the team overshadowed by Barcelona 99 kilometres down the road; the team that sold a number of its best players this summer; the club that is experiencing a season in the top flight for only the fourth time in its history.

After embarking on what has been described as a cinderella run, the side would actually have been out on their own but for a draw at home to Athletic Bilbao on Monday night.

Girona, though, are still flying high as attention turns to this Saturday as they welcome Valencia to town looking to continue the form which has the hallmarks of a title contender.

Talking Points

Now, let us not get too excited.

Manager Michel has only this week said his side should not be considered among the contenders for La Liga.

Yet he does believe they are in with a good chance of delivering more La Liga 2023 highlights and finishing inside the top six, which would guarantee European football next season.

That is quite a distance from a team whose aim, before the season started, was just to avoid relegation. Now, they’re looking to finish in the European places at the very minimum.

On Monday night, Girona took the lead when unmarked midfielder Viktor Tsygankov sent a low shot past Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon before Inaki Williams found a leveller midway through the second half.

Had they won, they would have been two points clear of Real instead of level with them, which just shows how well they are faring.

Their opponents this weekend used to be in the title mix, winning the championship in 2002 and 2004, as well as reaching back-to-back Champions League finals at the turn of the millennium.

Those days are long since gone, but after managing to finish just two points clear of the drop zone last term, matters appear to be improving slightly.

After a tough couple of years, European football is once again a possible target, and Ruben Baraja looks to have steadied the ship at Los Che as they sit in ninth place, albeit six points off the top six and guaranteed European berths.

On the flip side, the controversy surrounding owner Peter Lim in recent years does not appear to be easing, which could make his job of making tangible progress more difficult.

For example, the winter transfer window could be used by Baraja to improve his squad as he has a distinct lack of wingers at his disposal, but it looks like this won’t be the case.

It’s reported that Lim does not intend to finance any signings during January, with only loan deals being allowed to be pursued. This could cost Valencia and is sure to see the club’s supporters’ fury towards Lim rise even further.

The fact they can see the likes of Girona manage much more limited resources so well will only add to their frustration, especially if their fairytale form continues on Saturday lunchtime.

History

These two teams have only met on six occasions since Girona were promoted to the top flight for the first time three seasons ago.

Since then, they have tasted victory twice, with Valencia winning on the other four occasions.

Last season, Girona won this game with a solitary goal from Borja Garcia.

Valencia also won 1-0 at home thanks to a Carlos Soler penalty, managing to hold onto victory despite the dismissal of Eray Comert early in the second half.

Betting Tip

The way they have played this term means Girona are not only favourites with the SBOTOP La Liga 2023 betting odds but clear favourites.

While Valencia are priced First Half 1X2 @ 4.20, First Half Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 1.94, 1X2 @ 4.10 and Asian Handicap +0.50 @ 2.25, it is a very different story for the hosts.

You can back them in a variety of ways, including First Half 1X2 @ 2.27, First Half Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 2.28, 1X2 @ 1.70 and Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 2.29.

Both last season’s meetings produced solitary goals so under 2.25 @ 2.42 is one option worth exploring, as is total goal 0-1 @ 3.50.

If you are expecting plenty of goals, then you will want to look at over 2.75 @ 2.11, total goal 2-3 @ 1.90 and 4-6 @ 3.35.

Another 1-0 win for Girona, as in the corresponding meeting last term, is on offer @ 6.40. The 1X2 Draw @ 3.75 crossed my mind but I am going to choose a home win all the way with Half Time Full Time Home Home @ 2.28 as my *** prediction.

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.