Girona face a key test at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López this Monday, 12 October, looking to strengthen their position in the upper reaches of the table. The white-and-reds, sitting fourth with 14 points, travel to face a Tenerife side currently in 12th place in matchday 9 of the Segunda División.
Míchel's team is in a good run of form, with three wins and a draw from their last five outings. Their most recent match was a goalless draw against Mallorca at Montilivi, a result that maintained defensive solidity but saw points dropped at home. Prior to that, Girona secured back-to-back victories, a 2-0 win over Albacete and a hard-fought 1-2 away triumph at Cádiz.
The starting eleven from the Mallorca game, featuring Gazzaniga in goal and a back four of Boñar, David López, Francés and Álex Moreno, is the likely blueprint. In midfield, the pairing of Morante and I. Gonzalez provided balance, while the attacking trio of Carles Pérez, Van de Beek and Sarasa constantly looked to feed centre-forward Abel Ruiz. This unit has proven competitive and is expected to start again in Tenerife.
The opponents, CD Tenerife, return from the international break with mixed results. Their last match was a 1-1 home draw against Cádiz, which followed a heavy 0-5 defeat away to Castellón. The chicharreros will be looking to use their home ground as a springboard, meaning Girona must be focused from the first whistle.
A win in Tenerife would allow Girona to keep the pressure on the teams above them in the standings, where they currently trail leaders Eibar by seven points. The team has scored 14 goals in eight matches, showing a potent attack led by top scorer Y. Asprilla with four goals. A fully fit squad with no major injuries is a significant advantage for this phase of the season. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 local time on Monday.
