The Unlikely Lads Making Headway in La Liga

Cadiz vs Girona

There’s one set of matches remaining in La Liga before the second international break of the season and, while not as eye-catching as some, this has a real intrigue.

A meeting of two sides with limited top flight pedigree yet both capable of delivering La Liga highlights.

Talking Points

Cadiz survived with only a little to spare last term (two points), which was double the tally they survived the season previously.

That was a campaign in which they dared to dream.

In fact, I recall little over 18 months ago when the Andalusian club moved out of the drop zone for the first time in five months as a last-gasp goal from Ruben Sobrino saw off Villarreal.

On that occasion, the euphoria in the stadium was tangible and it ultimately proved significant.

By comparison, their current position of 12^th after eight games must seem remarkably comfortable, although they may be reeling after throwing away a 2-0 lead at Atletico Madid last weekend.

They stormed into an early lead at the Estadio Metropolitano through Lucas Pires and Roger Marti’s smart finish before Atletico ensured there would not be one of the shocks of the season.

Girona also went down to a side from Madrid as Real inflicted defeat with a comprehensive 3-0 victory which ensured a look of familiarity at the top of the table.

The result was not the worst blow of the night, however, as winger Portu was taken out by a dreadful Nacho Fernandez tackle. Nacho was sent off, and later apologised on social media, while Real Madrid President Florentino Perez called Portu in order to offer his apologies.

The 31 year-old has suffered internal bruising to the shin bone, as well as a tear in the gluteus membrane. Fortunately, it appears that he has avoided serious damage, and will look to be back in a few weeks according to reports.

In addition, it looks as if Ukraine star Viktor Tsygankov could be out for around a month with a thigh problem which saw him withdrawn at half-time

Girona remain third in the table and will be keen to get back on track following that defeat.

They may be in only their fourth campaign at this level but have already achieved two top-half finishes and will be eyeing their highest-ever position in La Liga.

Without the services of Portu, Tsygankov, Bernardo Espinosa, Joel Roca, Ricard Artero and Toni Villa, this will be a test against a Cadiz side who are in their fourth straight La Liga campaign, which represents comfortably their best run since the early 1990s.

Yet they are also without key men, They lost Fali to an injury in the first half of the clash with Atletico, and the home side are also missing Luis Hernandez, Victor Chust, Fede San Emeterio, Juan Cala and Brian Ocampo this weekend.

It has been a solid start to the campaign for Cadiz, with two victories and three draws in their first eight matches.

Can they now take something from the side creating a bit of a fairytale in Spain?

History

Cadiz won the corresponding fixture 2-0 last season.

The match, in February, was won through first half goals from Gonzalo Escalante and Sergio Guardiola Navarro.

The earlier meeting had ended 1-1 with Cristhian Stuani netting a last gasp penalty deep into stoppage time to cancel out Alex Fernandez’s opener at the start of the second half.

Over the past decade, they have met seven times (six in the league and once in the Copa del Rey) with three Cadiz victories, two Girona successes and two draws.

Betting Tip

The SBOTOP La Liga betting odds expect Girona to bounce back from their first defeat of the campaign.

You can bet on the visitors in a variety of ways, including 1X2 @ 2.26, First Half 1X2 @ 2.65, Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 2.25 and First Half Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 2.23.

For the hosts, why not take a look at 1X2 @ 2.91, First Half 1X2 @ 4.00, Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 2.42 and First Half Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 2.40.

A repeat of the 2-0 home success Cadiz enjoyed last term is available @ 19.00 with Correct Score, while another 1-1 will pay out @ 5.40.

If goals are your currency, then how about Over 2.75 @ 2.29, Total Goal 0-1 @ 3.05, 2-3@ 1.90 or 4-6 @ 3.95? I am going to plump for a Girona victory as they made of stern stuff and my *** prediction is Half Time Full Time Draw Away @ 5.40.

 

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