Celta Vigo vs Espanyol predictions, H2H and match preview for this Thursday’s game in La Liga. Read on for analysis and predicted line-ups as two sides who’ve struggled to get going meet.
Celta Vigo vs Espanyol Preview
Both Celta Vigo and Espanyol find themselves in the bottom five after five games but it’s certainly Celta Vigo who will feel they have more to be optimistic about. Were it not for two 1st Half sending offs against Granada in their most recent home game, they’d almost certainly be in a better position. They do come into this game on a positive note following an away draw against Atletico Madrid unlike Espanyol who suffered another damaging weekend defeat.
Celta have had a tricky set of fixtures to commence the season with, having already faced the two Madrid giants in addition to a trip to Sevilla. However they will feel this is a game where they need to make home advantage count against struggling opponents. They should have a clean bill of health with the exception of David Juncà who is a minor doubt which means we ought to have a clearer idea of exactly how Celta are going to shape up this season following this match.
Espanyol meanwhile head into this game following a 3-1 home defeat against Real Sociedad, already their third loss this season at the RCDE Stadium. The pressure will really start to mount on David Gallego if they slip up here. That will be a little unfair given he’s had to pick up the pieces following a messy summer where key men have left the club. Gallego did well to steer an unsettled Espanyol side into the group stage of the Europa League but the early signs are that they could really struggle this season in La Liga.
Naldo returns from a ban here which should boost their defence but they are still missing forward Facundo Ferreyra to injury. Fran Escriba may take some time to figure out what his best approach is with the likes of Denis Suarez and Rafinha capable of playing in more than one position. Right now it appears as though Brais Mendez may be the fall guy with Rafinha taking his slot on the right flank.
Celta Vigo vs Espanyol Predictions
Score Prediction: 2-1 Celta
This Celta Vigo side may not have racked up the points so far but they do have the feel of an improved side. They showed their improved defensive prowess by grinding out a 0-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano and you sense it will only be a matter of time before Iago Aspas starts scoring again. Espanyol on the other hand are a little bit disorganised right now and they don’t look like keeping a side with Celta’s attacking quality quiet for ninety minutes. The hosts should have the edge here.
Celta Vigo vs Espanyol H2H
- Last 6 meetings: 1 Celta Win, 1 Espanyol Win, 4 Draws.
- The last 3 meetings at Balaidos have all been drawn.
- Celta haven’t lost any of their last 6 at home to Espanyol in La Liga despite being reduced to 10 men in 3 of those games.
- Both teams have scored in all of the last 5 meetings between these clubs.
Next up in La Liga: Real Sociedad vs Alaves preview
Predicted Line Ups
Celta Vigo Team:
Blanco – Mallo, Aidoo, Araujo, Olaza – Rafinha, Lobotka, Beltran, Suarez – Mina, Aspas (4-4-2)
Espanyol Team:
Lopez – Pedrosa, Calero, Naldo, Lopez – Sanchez, Roca, Darder – Vargas, Calleri, Melendo (4-3-3)
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