Celta Vigo vs Barcelona predictions and match preview for Thursday’s game in LaLiga. Read on for the head-to-head, team news, betting tips and predicted lineups as the Catalans head to what has been something of a bogey ground in recent years.
- DATE: Thursday 1st October 2020
- KICK-OFF: 21:30 (local time)
- VENUE: Balaidos
Celta Vigo vs Barcelona Preview
The midweek action in LaLiga concludes at Balaidos, which hasn’t always been the happiest of hunting grounds for Barcelona. A draw here late last season was a major dent in their push for another league title and this will be a test for Ronald Koeman’s side who are hoping to build on an impressive victory in their opening game.
Celta have looked a bit sharper so far this season and will provide tough opposition. In truth, they have often found an extra gear in these big games over the last couple of years but too many dropped points and poor displays against the weaker teams has left them batting relegation.
They are unbeaten so far in LaLiga 2020/21, with a 2-1 home win over Valencia their standout performance. It will come as no surprise to fans of LaLiga that all 3 of their goals so far this term have been scored by Iago Aspas with the Galician native continuing to be the focal point of their attack.
As for Barcelona, Ansu Fati and Philippe Coutinho both shone in the 4-0 demolition of Villarreal at the weekend in their first game of the new campaign. It was a little hard to judge them against a surprisingly lacklustre Villarreal side but we should get a clearer picture here.
A series of uninspired away performances was a major issue for Barcelona last season and a key factor in their failure to pick up any silverware. The Catalans dropped points in over half of their LaLiga away games and having failed to win on any of their last 6 trips to Vigo in all competitions, a victory here would genuinely be a positive sign that things are looking up under new management this term.
Head to Head
- Last 6 Competitive Meetings: 3 Barcelona Wins, 1 Celta Win, 2 Draws.
- The sides drew 2-2 at Balaidos in June while Barcelona were 4-1 winners in last season’s meeting at Camp Nou.
- The last 6 meetings at Balaidos in all competitions have produced 3 Celta wins and 3 draws.
- Barca have conceded 14 goals across their last 5 league visits to Vigo.
Team News
Celta may consider switching to three centre-backs for this game with Nestor Araujo potentially coming into the defence while Kevin may feature at wing-back.
Marc-André ter Stegen and Martin Braithwaite are both sidelined for Barcelona. They could be unchanged following an impressive start under Koeman.
Predicted Celta Starting Lineup:
Villar – Araujo, Murillo, Aidoo – Olaza, Beltran, Tapia, Kevin – Suarez – Aspas, Mina (3-4-1-2)
Predicted Barcelona Starting Lineup:
Neto – Alba, Lenglet, Pique, Sergi Roberto – De Jong, Busquets – Fati, Coutinho, Griezmann – Messi (4-2-3-1)
Celta Vigo vs Barcelona Predictions
Score Prediction: Celta 2-2 Barcelona
This ought to be a really good contest. Barcelona do not like playing on this ground and Celta have proved many times they have the tools to get at this Barca defence. With Iago Aspas in form, the Galicians look capable of securing at least a point with goals at both ends likely here.
LaLiga Betting Tips (18+)
You can view our tips for this match and all the others in LaLiga this week by signing up to follow LaLiga Expert for free on Tipstrr. You can view our profit/loss stats and success ratios there.
Please note, we don’t guarantee any long-term gains if you’re backing our tips. If you do choose to bet, only stake what you can afford to lose. See BeGambleAware for more on responsible gambling.
LaLiga Blog – The Young Players hoping to make a big impression in 2020/21
