Celta Vigo vs Girona predictions and match preview for Tuesday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for analysis, team news and predicted lineups as the hosts aim to stop the rot.
| Date | Tuesday 23rd May 2023 |
| Kick-Off | 19:30 (CEST) |
| Stadium | Balaidos |
| Competition | LaLiga |
Celta Vigo vs Girona Preview
A few weeks back, Celta Vigo were hoping this game would be a big match in their push for European football. As it turns out, they find themselves in real need of a result as they look to avoid being sucked into deeper relegation trouble, while Girona are the side in with a real shot at Europe.
Celta Vigo have been one of the most puzzling sides in LaLiga this term, which isn’t entirely out of character for them. They were poor in the first chunk of the campaign with Carlos Carvalhal replacing Chacho Coudet just before the World Cup. The Portuguese inspired a real revival as Celta went on a stunning run in the first few months of 2023 but it’s 6 defeats in 7 heading into this game and they are suddenly back amongst the relegation scrap.
Their latest setback was a 2-1 defeat in Bilbao at the weekend. Celta do still have a 4 point advantage on the bottom three but will probably need to win one of their remaining three games to be sure of safety. Lose here and there’d suddenly be real pressure on their weekend trip to fellow strugglers Cadiz. The Galicians have been boosted by the news Iago Aspas is expected to be fit to be part of the squad here following a minor injury. While he has been nowhere near his best in recent weeks, the forward lives for nights like this and has regularly been Celta’s saviour in the past.
Girona meanwhile know a win would move them back into 7th place, which will be good enough for UEFA Conference League football next term. That’ll be the motivation for Michel and his players now and while they’ll have had a good season regardless of what happens in the final games, the Catalans are playing with such confidence that you really wouldn’t write them off as they seek to pip the likes of Athletic Club and Sevilla to a European place.
There was a minor setback at the weekend though as they conceded a Stoppage Time goal to lose 2-1 at home to Villarreal. That was only a second defeat in ten league outings for Girona but they do continue to be hampered by some selection issues with Rodrigo Riquelme the latest to come down with an injury while David Lopez will miss this game due to suspension.
Team News & Possible Lineups
Celta Vigo
| INJURED | Marchesin, Beltran |
| DOUBTFUL | Aspas |
| BANNED | De la Torre |
Possible XI: Villar – Galan, Aidoo, Nunez, Mallo – Tapia, Veiga – Cervi, Oscar, Perez – Larsen (4-2-3-1)
Coach: Carlos Carvalhal
Girona
| INJURED | Kebe, Riquelme, Villa, Borja Garcia, Aleix Garcia |
| DOUBTFUL | |
| BANNED | David Lopez |
Possible XI: Gazzaniga – Hernandez, Bueno, Juanpe, Arnau – Tsygankov, Romeu, Ivan Martin – Reinier, Castellanos, Couto (4-3-3)
Coach: Michel
Score Prediction: Celta 1-2 Girona
Girona have done really well to keep fighting hard and accumulating points despite missing many players to injuries in recent weeks. They are a confident young team that isn’t afraid to take risks and if they’re at their best here, they could well get the better of a misfiring Celta side that is struggling for goals and looks short on belief right now.
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