Girona vs Celta Vigo predictions and match preview for Friday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for analysis, team news and predicted lineups as the hosts aim for their second win at Montilivi this week.
| Date | Friday 26th August 2022 |
| Kick-Off | 20:00 (local time) |
| Stadium | Montilivi |
| Competition | LaLiga |
Girona vs Celta Vigo Preview
Girona return to Montilivi on Friday, four days on from a really impressive victory over Getafe. With Celta the visitors, Girona will feel as though they have a chance to make it two wins from two at home which would really give the newly promoted side some early season momentum.
There is certainly already evidence to suggest they will at least be competitive at this level. After a narrow defeat at Mestalla, they showed much more going forward against Getafe, winning the game 3-1. Crucially they appear to have genuine goal threats up front with Cristhian Stuani and Taty Castellanos leading the line and both scoring in that game. We already know what Stuani is all about and if Castellanos can transfer some of his MLS form into LaLiga, Girona should get plenty of goals this season.
They’ve added plenty of talented young players to their ranks this summer with Real Madrid loanee Reinier Jesus the latest to arrive. That leaves Michel with plenty of options but the early signs are relatively positive that he is going to be able to forge a team that can compete and potentially even thrive this season at a higher level.
As for Celta, Chacho Coudet may be reflecting on some positives and negatives from their opening two games, although he’ll be disappointed with a return of just one point from two home games, even if one was against the defending champions. They played some good football last weekend in spells against Real Madrid but still ended up on the wrong end of a 4-1 scoreline.
They have the feel of something of a soft touch at times defensively and you get the sense that their goals against tally might be quite high this season. However there are some positives to point to at the other end with Iago Aspas forming a good early partnership with new strike partner Goncalo Paciencia. Things may also improve once the off-field circus regarding Denis Suarez resolves itself with the midfielder almost certain to leave before next week’s transfer deadline.
Team News & Possible Lineups
Girona
| INJURED | Ivan Martin, Borja Garcia, Kebe |
| DOUBTFUL | Riquelme |
| BANNED |
Possible XI: Carlos – Juanpe, Lopez, Bueno – Gutierrez, Garcia, Herrera, Couto – Riquelme – Stuani, Castellanos (3-4-1-2)
Coach: Michel
Celta
| INJURED | |
| DOUBTFUL | |
| BANNED |
Possible XI: Marchesin – Galan, Nunez, Aidoo, Mallo – Tapia – Cervi, Beltran, Oscar – Aspas, Paciencia (4-1-3-2)
Coach: Chacho Coudet
Score Prediction: Girona 2-1 Celta Vigo
We saw last season with Rayo how a newly promoted team can go on a bit of an early season charge at home and it feels like Girona have the opportunity to do something similar with a relatively kind set of opening fixtures at Montilivi. This may be tougher than Monday night when Getafe were really poor, but the Catalans may just edge it to move onto 6 points.
PLEASE NOTE – Our LaLiga predictions are not betting tips! No profits are guaranteed if you’re using them to bet on Spanish football. If you are gambling, do so responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose. BeGambleAware.
