TFT Issue 3978!

It’s getting a bit hard to doubt the Catalan side Girona at the moment, isn’t it? I know Real Madrid have been a bit off-colour at times this season, and that Sevilla haven’t had a good campaign, but beating both of them 4-2 and 2-0 respectively? Let’s not forget the derby draw they had away from home against Barcelona either. I don’t know what’s lit a rocket under their arses, but Girona are flying at the moment, and woe betide any team that tries to stop them.

Real Mallorca aren’t the best of travellers anyway so they’re not going to be relishing this trip. They will enjoy the open nature of Girona’s game – that’s when the islanders are at their most dangerous – but I’m not sure they’ll see enough of the ball to be a genuine threat to the home team here. I’m sure they’ll be as obstinate and industrious as ever but Girona are simply on another level right now.

They’ve got a good combination of players in their squad nowadays, Girona. Castellanos has finally settled in up front, and is scoring goals for fun at the moment. With Romeu running the show, Riquelme making things happen, and talented younger players like Tsygankov and Reinier able to make an impact from the bench, Girona have plenty of ways to get at their opponents.

I can’t say that Girona’s defence blows me away, although I do think that Callens has lent them some stability. Mostly they’re about playing good football though, and seeing the ‘group’ that they belong to, that should come as a surprise to nobody, and nor should it be surprising that they’re able to attract good players. With European football now suddenly on the horizon, there’s every reason for Girona to keep gunning and I don’t believe Real Mallorca will be too much for them here after their heroic results of late.

Having said all that, it’s nice to see Kosovan striker Muriqi, now at Real Mallorca, getting back to his best. He had a torrid time in Italy but is a very capable striker. They’re feeding him well thanks to Kangin, and have some excellent passers in midfield to call upon too, which helps them launch counters. They’re a handful, Real Mallorca – there’s no denying that, and as I said above, they do like to play against teams that give them space.

However, the big problem that Real Mallorca have here is in defence. They’re not the best at it anyway, and have been missing the likes of Augustinsson for ages. Now they also find themselves without Maffeo, Raillo, and Nastasic too. In my opinion, it’s too many players to be missing, especially against in-form, motivated Girona. They’re not just going to lie down and take it; I’m sure that the islanders will do their utmost to turn this into a high-scoring game. With so many defenders now out though, it’s hard to be optimistic about their chances in Catalonia.

For me, 11/10 on the home win is very appealing at the moment.