Introduction
La Liga offers an intriguing clash as Girona meets Alaves at the Estadi Municipal de Montilivi on December 18, 2023. As the hosts, Girona will look to cement their position at the top of the table, while Alaves aim to climb from the middle of the pack. Given their current forms and the stakes at play, this game promises to showcase the tactical battle inherent in Spanish football.
Match Analysis
Girona comes into this match as the table-toppers with a formidable form of "WWDWW", signaling a strong momentum. They've shown a remarkable attacking prowess, netting 4 goals against Barcelona, and scoring 5 in a Copa del Rey tie. In their last 10 outings, Girona has been victorious in 8 and drawn 2, suggesting high team morale and consistency.
Alaves, positioned 12th, bring a mixed form of "LDWLW". Their recent fixtures have been less prolific in terms of scoring, with a narrow 1-0 win against Las Palmas and only a single goal over Terrassa in the Copa del Rey. The team has secured 3 wins, 1 draw, and suffered 1 loss in their last 5 games, showcasing a need for improvement, particularly in their attacking execution.
Recent Form
Girona has been exceptional, particularly in their attacking phases; they have scored a total of 26 goals in their last 10 matches, averaging 2.6 goals per game. Their defense has conceded 9, which is less than a goal per match on average, indicating a solid defensive record to complement their offensive exploits.
Turning to Alaves, their recent form shows a less potent strike force with a total of 18 goals in their last 10 matches, averaging 1.8 goals per game. Defensively, they have conceded 7 goals in the same period, suggesting a degree of resilience at the back.
Head to Head
- Alaves won 2-1 at home against Girona in their last La Liga encounter in May 2019.
- They drew 1-1 in January 2019 at Girona's home ground.
- Girona defeated Alaves 2-1 in the Copa del Rey in December 2018.
- A 2-2 stalemate occurred in the Copa del Rey October 2018 match hosted by Alaves.
- Girona secured a 2-1 victory in the April 2018 La Liga match at Alaves' venue.
Girona boasts a 40% win ratio in their last five head to head matches, Alaves has a 20% win ratio, and the remaining 40% ended in draws.
Prediction
Taking into account the recent form of both teams and their head-to-head statistics, Girona seems to have the upper hand. Their offensive strength and solid defense are key signs that they could control the game. Alaves' less consistent form and scoring rate present a challenge against the league leaders.
I am predicting a 3-1 full-time score in favor of Girona. As for the betting tip, considering the goal-scoring patterns of Girona, an Over 2.5 goals bet seems promising. Furthermore, betting on 'Both Teams to Score: No' may also be a sensible option given Alaves' inconsistency upfront and Girona's robust defensive record. For Asian Handicap punters, Girona -1 could offer value. In terms of game dynamics, backing Girona to be ahead at halftime and full-time may be another interesting angle, recognizing their tendency to start strong in recent matches.