On Tuesday, 10 December, Girona will play at home against Liverpool. Arne Slot's team have already solved all the problems in this stage after five matches: a place in the top-8 is guaranteed, there is no special motivation. Girona, on the other hand, really need points to clinch a playoff spot. The team has picked up just three points in five matches.

The Catalans have predictably plummeted after an amazing last season. In the championship, the club struggles to stay in the middle of the table, no longer claiming a place in the top four. In addition to the sell-out factor, injuries have had an impact. At one point head coach Michel could not count on ten players. Now the situation has improved: only Viktor Tsygankov and Yangel Herrera remain in the infirmary. The roster is still much weaker than last season - none of the newcomers have become big stars yet.

At the weekend, Girona were defeated by Real Madrid - 0:3. Predictable defeat, given that the Champions League is now a higher priority. Before the game with Real, the club managed to lose to Logroñez in the King's Cup. It was an opponent from as far back as the fourth league of Spanish football. It is understandable that Michel give rest to the leading players but this result is a colossal sensation.

In the Champions League, Girona suffered an upsetting defeat to Sturm in Austria - the Catalans were favourites there. A mini-crisis is evident in the team. There are no victories in four consecutive rounds.

Liverpool got extra days of rest. The match with Everton was cancelled because of rain. Here just the downtime, perhaps, and not quite to the place. Before that, Liverpool drew with Newcastle in a very entertaining match - 3:3. Bookmakers now put Arne Slot's team as the main favourites not only in the APL, but also in the Champions League.

Liverpool shows outstanding results in all tournaments. The team still has only one defeat with a new coach.

Liverpool has difficulties with the injured: Konate, Bradley, Tsimikas, Jota, Alisson, Chiesa - no one is expected in the match against Girona.

The question of motivation could be the deciding factor here. It would be logical for Liverpool to regroup for the championship now. There is no special sense to win in the group stage matches of the European Cup at the moment. A draw will be a favourable outcome.

Bookmakers underestimate Girona too much: over 6.00 on the home team is overkill. A defeat here is unlikely. Liverpool are likely to be happy with a minimal victory, and in the case of a draw, both teams may refuse to force the issue. For the hosts, this is a decisive match in the table. Defeat already effectively switches off from the fight for a position in the playoffs.