Girona FC vs Atletico Madrid Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips 03/01/2024
Calendar icon Updated 03 Jan 07:12

Girona FC vs Atletico Madrid Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips 03/01/2024

Kai Edvard Iliev Kai Edvard Iliev

Odds via Tonybet

Girona FC vs Atletico Madrid January 3 2024, 3:30 PM ET
Girona FC+160
Atletico Madrid odds+166
Draw+265
Over\Under2.5 -145/+124

Girona FC vs Atletico Madrid. Shape of the Teams

Girona has had an impressive season with their only loss coming against the current league leaders Real Madrid.

Since that defeat, they have been a formidable opponent, with very few teams managing to even draw against them (1-1 against both Betis and Athletic Club). They even outplayed neighbor Barcelona, a favorite in their own right, in a thrilling 3-5 victory at Montjuic. 

Currently sitting in second place, Girona has been the revelation of the year, developing a reputation as a team that is extremely difficult to beat. Their consistent winning streak, except for the draw against Real Betis, has left many in Spain puzzled about how to effectively counter Girona’s strategy.

Under the guidance of Míchel, the team boasts young stars like Dovbyk, Aleix García, and Miguel Gutiérrez each making significant contributions in their respective lines of play.

Opponents recognize Girona’s vulnerability to conceding goals, yet struggle to outscore them in matches that are often high in intensity – a type of game where Girona consistently excels. 

Girona vs Atletico Madrid Main Match Info

Girona vs Atletico Madrid Prediction, Odds

Atletico Madrid is facing a challenging period. Despite having an excellent performance in 2023, their early December defeat against Barcelona in Monjuic, with a scoreline of 1-0, has significantly dented their title aspirations and morale. 

The injury to Pablo Barrios has been a particular setback for Diego Simeone’s team. 

Barrios’ ability to make line-breaking passes has been sorely missed, as no other player has been able to replicate this aspect of his game. Furthermore, Girona’s consistent ability to outscore their opponents presents a strategic problem for Atletico.

For Simeone to lead Atletico to a win, he needs to provide more defined roles for Lino and Riquelme, who are both talented wide players. Lino, in particular, has been deployed more as an interior player recently, a role that seems to be counterproductive for him and the team.

Adjustments in the starting lineup and player positions could be key to improving Atletico’s performance.

Offensively, Atletico has potent weapons in Antoine Griezmann and Álvaro Morata. Strategically targeting the defensive weaknesses of Eric García and Daley Blind could be effective. Atletico should consider deploying additional players in forward positions to exploit the vulnerabilities behind García and Blind.

However, Atletico’s tendency for passivity, especially in away games, as exemplified in their match against Barcelona, might hinder their ability to capitalize on these opportunities.

Overcoming this habitual cautious approach will be crucial for Atletico if they are to challenge opponents like Girona successfully.

Girona vs Atletico Madrid Betting Tip

The emergence of Artem Dovbyk in Spain’s football scene has been noteworthy, especially considering the attention often given to stars like Jude Bellingham and Antoine Griezmann. Acquired by Girona for less than €10 million, Dovbyk has quickly become one of the top scorers in Spain.

Originating from Ukraine, like his teammate Tsyhankov who joined earlier, Dovbyk has played a crucial role in reshaping Girona’s attack. The two Ukrainians have been instrumental in the team’s success, tearing apart defenses in the league. 

Dovbyk, in particular, embodies the characteristics of an old-school number 9, using his physical presence effectively in the box. In a league where many defenders are less robust, his style poses a significant challenge for opponents.

Atletico Madrid’s approach to countering Dovbyk will be critical in their upcoming match against Girona. They will also need to be wary of the wide threats posed by players like Sávio and Miguel Gutiérrez, as well as the potent duo of Tsyhankov and Dovbyk. 

Atletico must avoid conceding goals early, as Girona excels in creating chaotic scenarios post-scoring, exploiting any rush or mistakes by the opposition to press their advantage.

How Atletico manages to handle this multi-faceted threat, and whether they can maintain defensive solidity while seeking to score, will be key factors in determining the outcome of the clash.

Disclaimer: Odds are accurate at the time of posting and subject to change. Please verify the latest odds on our platform before betting.

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