Atletico Madrid vs Celta Vigo match preview and predictions for Monday’s LaLiga match. Read on for the head-to-head, team news and predicted lineups as the leaders return to action.
- DATE: Monday February 8th 2021
- KICK-OFF: 21:00 (local time)
- STADIUM: Wanda Metropolitano
- COMPETITION: LaLiga
Atletico Madrid vs Celta Vigo Preview
We have the rare treat of seeing one of LaLiga’s “big three” on a Monday night this week as leaders Atletico Madrid aim to take another step towards the title against Celta Vigo. Atleti have put 50 points on the board at the midway point in the campaign, the same number they had collected at the halfway stage in their title winning 2013/14 season.
The omens are certainly good for Diego Simeone and his team but there are still 19 matches to go and they need to keep churning out the victories. It’s 8 wins on the spin in LaLiga for Los Rojiblancos since they lost the Madrid derby. They scored twice or more in 7 of those games with Luis Suarez in particular enjoying a real hot streak in front of goal.
The Uruguayan bagged a brace as Atleti won 4-2 at Cadiz last time out and they look like a team that is strong across the pitch. They are hampered this week though by a COVID-19 outbreak which has seen four players test positive. The absence of the likes of Joao Felix and Mario Hermoso will force Simeone into something of a reshuffle here.
That may offer a glimmer of hope to Celta Vigo as they travel to the Spanish capital. The Galicians have gone 6 matches without a win in all competitions following on from the terrific start they made under Chacho Coudet. Crucially though talisman Iago Aspas made his return from injury in the 0-0 draw at Granada last time out and Celta fans will be optimistic that results will start to pick up again.
Coudet won admirers for his successful attacking style during those early weeks in Vigo. However he did arrive in Spain with a more cautious reputation so we probably shouldn’t expect Celta to just throw caution to the wind in a tough game like this.
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Head to Head
- Last 6 Competitive Meetings: 3 Atleti Wins, 1 Celta Win, 2 Draws.
- Atletico Madrid have won 4 of their last 5 home games against Celta Vigo.
- Celta have never previously scored at the Wanda Metropolitano (3 visits).
- Atleti were 2-0 victors in the reverse fixture at Balaidos earlier this term.
Team News
Joao Felix, Moussa Dembele, Yannick Carrasco and Mario Hermoso have all tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss this game for Atleti.
Celta’s selection problems have eased and they may recall Denis Suarez into midfield in what could be the only change from last time out.
Predicted Atleti Starting Lineup:
Oblak – Felipe, Gimenez, Savic – Lodi, Saul, Lemar, Koke, Llorente – Suarez, Correa (3-5-2)
Predicted Celta Starting Lineup:
Blanco – Martin, Murillo, Araujo, Mallo – Tapia – Nolito, Suarez, Mendez – Aspas, Mina (4-1-3-2)
Atletico Madrid vs Celta Vigo Predictions
Score Prediction: Atletico Madrid 2-1 Celta Vigo
Those absentees will have something of an unsettling effect on Atleti. Mario Hermoso will be particularly missed but this is a team that is in great form and playing with real confidence. With Luis Suarez up top, they have a touch of cutting edge in the final third and they ought to find a way to win again.
Atletico Madrid vs Celta Vigo Betting Tips (18+)
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