Football Bet of the Day: Reds to cruise by struggling Spaniards

Saturday’s postponed Merseyside derby offered Liverpool some respite before a hectic run of games to finish 2024. The Reds had been in the middle of a busy run, which saw them meet Man City and visit Newcastle, before clashes against Everton and Girona.

However, Arne Slot’s men were given an extra break before returning to Champions League action on Tuesday night. Their visit to Spain offers them a chance to ease their fixture schedule further, as a win would all but secure passage to the last 16 with two games to spare.

Football Odds

Match betting, Girona vs Liverpool

Over 2.5 Liverpool goals at Girona @ 11/8

Liverpool’s opponents Girona were incredible on their way to a top-four finish in La Liga last season, but their summer turnover has led to a disjointed start to the 2024/25 campaign.

Girona have been poor in their first five Champions League matches, losing four times. Their 1-0 loss to Sturm Graz in their last outing was a huge blow to their chances of progressing into the knockout phase.

The Spaniards face an incredibly difficult closing run to the League Phase that also pits them against AC Milan and Arsenal, having fallen to weaker sides already. A 3-2 home loss to Feyenoord and a 4-0 hammering at PSV suggest they are not up to the standard of Europe’s top tier, with a daunting clash against Liverpool up next.

The Reds are not only the runaway Premier League leaders, they are also out in front of the 36-team Champions League table. Slot’s men are the only side to have won all five games so far, taking out the likes of Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan already.

Heading out on the road shouldn’t be too tricky for the Reds, as they have yet to lose on their travels under Slot’s watch. Liverpool have scored three times in each of their last three away games, while they racked up a combined eight goals across their perceived tough trips to the San Siro, Old Trafford and the Emirates.

Girona head into Tuesday’s game having seen their rough season take another turn. They have failed to win each of their last four matches which includes a Copa del Rey exit at the hands of fourth-tier UD Logrones.

The hosts were thumped 3-0 at home to Real Madrid at the weekend, while Liverpool dispatched the European champions with ease when the pair met at the end of November.

Fixture congestion could have offered Girona a reprieve had Liverpool just been through a bruising Merseyside derby. However, the Reds have just shy of 96 hours until their return to Premier League action, with a chance to shuffle the pack in next week’s Carabao Cup tie.

Slot should send his men out to wrap up their interest in the Champions League until the last 16 begins in March. The Reds to win and over 2.5 goals to be scored in the match holds some appeal at 19/20, but with Girona having failed to score in three of their last four games, the Reds will likely keep the hosts quiet.

Instead, back Liverpool to score over 2.5 goals on their own at 11/8, as the gulf in quality, form and rest should see them run away with this encounter.

Offers

Place an In-Play single bet of £10 or more at odds of 1/2+ on any Champions League or Championship game on Tuesday and get £5 in Free Bets to use In-Play on Wednesday’s games. (Credited upon Bet Settlement)

Acca Flex: Place a pre-match 5+ leg Football accumulator and get a CASH bonus up to 100% if all of your selections win or your money back as CASH if one leg lets you down.

Football Bet Of The Day, from Betfred Insights.