Cadiz will make the long trip to Catalonia this weekend for their Copa del Rey clash with Segunda Division side Girona.
Alvaro Cervera's team - who appeared to get their La Liga campaign back on track when they decisively dispatched Alaves last weekend - face tough opposition in the form of Girona on Saturday but will be confident of a win nonetheless.
Match preview
The clear favourites coming into this tie, Cadiz have had their ups and downs upon their return to the top flight. However, it is fair to say that their campaign has been good on the whole and Cervera will look favourably on a solid cup run.
With that being said, Andalusia's Yellow Submarine came within a whisker of being eliminated from the competition when their second-round goalless tie against Pontevedra went all the way to penalties.
Ultimately, Cadiz did all they possibly could, scoring all five of their penalties, and in the end, they progressed to the next round due to Victor Vazquez's missed penalty.
Cervera will certainly be looking for a more convincing performance from his players coming into this game.
Girona, who have been starved of La Liga football ever since their relegation in 2019, currently sit 8th in the Segunda Division, struggling to keep pace with the league leaders.
Juan Carlos Unzue's side have enjoyed a good run in the Copa del Rey so far, with victories against Gimnastica Segoviana and Deportivo Lugo.
However, the Catalan side's clash with Lugo did see them tempt fate, with the tie going all the way to extra time before Santiago Bueno found the winner in the closing stages of the contest.
Against Cadiz on Saturday, Unzue's men may have to move a bit quicker if they are serious about reaching the next round.
Girona Copa del Rey form: WW
Girona form (all competitions): DWLDWD
Cadiz Copa del Rey form: WW
Cadiz form (all competitions): LLDDWW
Team News
Unzue is not expected to field his best players against the La Liga club, with Los Gironistes likely looking to rest their key players ahead of their Segunda Division push.
Unzue will also be without players such as Cristhian Stuani and Antonio Luna, who both picked up knocks last time out.
Cervera is also expected to rest several key members of his squad such as Alvaro Negredo.
Augusto Fernando, Jose Mari and Luismi Quezada are all still unavailable due to injury, while Salvi Sanchez is isolating due to COVID-19.
Girona possible starting lineup:
Muric; Calavera, Ramalho, Bueno, Franquesa; Couto, Kebe, Terrats, Fernandez; Bustos, Pachon
Cadiz possible starting lineup:
Gil; Akapo, Erimuya, Mbaye, Baro; Alejo, Jon Garrido, Bodiger, Izquierdo, Perea; Alvaro
We say: Girona 0-1 Cadiz
Both these sides have struggled in the Copa del Rey so far and Saturday's contest is not expected to get you on the edge of your seat. We think Cadiz will find a way past Girona but it may well go to extra time.
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