Celta Vigo vs Barcelona Preview: Team News, TV channel info, prediction, betting odds

Joaquin Larrivey’s strike downed Barcelona at Camp Nou in the 2014-15 season

The Catalonian giants have forgotten what was a seemingly forgettable pre-season and have shot off the blocks in some fashion with 4 straight wins in their first 4 games. As they make the cross-country trip to the Western coastal city of Vigo, they will hope to continue their winning streak against lesser fancied opposition.

The Barcelona – Celta Vigo fixture off late has been a low-scoring affair, with the last two matches producing humdingers of 1-0 results. Noteworthy is the fact that both these results have been in the favour of the away teams in the respective matches as Celta Vigo beat Barcelona in November last year at Camp Nou and the Catalans exacted their retribution early in April this year.

With Luis Enrique’s side looking just what they looked like in their 2014-15 treble-winning season, things look difficult for Celta Vigo, who have also gotten off to a good start under manager Eduardo Berizzo.

However, they were one of only two teams to defeat Barcelona at Camp Nou in the La Liga last season, meaning that they will remain buoyant about their chances in what promises to be a mouthwatering clash at the Estadio de Balaídos.

Team News

Celta Vigo

While Johny faces suspension over his double yellow against Sevilla last week, Carles Planas might get a start. The rest of the starting 11 might not see any change as Berizzo looks forward to maintaining his side’s unbeaten run.

Barcelona

With Dani Alves making a return to the squad, the qualms of the right back position have been put to rest as of now. Jordi Alba, Iniesta and Suarez possibly will return to the starting XI after being rested in the 4-1 win over Levante. Arda Turan might get his debut earlier than expected after Barcelona appealed to FIFA over allowing him to play due to Rafinha’s long term injury.

Kick-Off and Live Telecast

Channel: Sony Kix

Date: 23rd September, Wednesday

Kick-off: 20:00 CET (23:30 IST)

Venue: Estadio de Balaidos, Vigo.

Messi enters this match having scored twice and missed a penalty against Levante

Form

Celta Vigo

The home team enjoyed a good run of form leading up to this high-profile clash against Barcelona. After three comprehensive wins over Levante, Rayo and Sevilla and a thrilling 3-3 draw against Las Palmas, Eduardo Berrizo’s side would look forward to making the most of their home advantage in seeking to continue their unbeaten run in the league.

Iago Aspas playing up front will be crucial to Celta Vigo’s plans and a positive result for them would definitely require the ex-Sevilla man hitting form.

Celta Vigo Last 5 games – W-D-W-W-W (Most Recent – Sevilla 1-2 Celta Vigo)

Barcelona

After 4 straight wins, Luis Enrique’s men would be looking forward to continuing their steamrolling of Spanish opposition and maintain their position atop the league standings.

However, with first-team players injured, Luis Enrique will have to get his combination spot on in order to best an on-song Celta Vigo side.

Barcelona Last 5 games – W-D-W-W-W (Most Recent – Barcelona 4-1 Levante)

Key Stats

• Barcelona have won all their games so far while Celta Vigo have won all but one.
• Celta Vigo have scored 10 goals so far, second only to Real Madrid (12).
• The previous two meetings between the two teams were won by the away side in identical scores of 0-1.
• All of Celta Vigo’s matches this season have seen a red card for either of the teams.

Possible Line-Ups

Celta Vigo

Eduardo Berrizo wouldn’t like to tinker with his successful combination, although Johny’s suspension means Carles Planas will mostly start against his old club. What would be interesting to see is if Berizzo plays a 4-3-3 with Aspas playing centre forward flanked by Nolito on the left and Orellana on the right or a more defensive 4-2-3-1 with Aspas upfront and Nolito, Hernandez and Orellana acting as feeders, as we have seen him play both formations in the La Liga already.

Line-up (4-2-3-1): Alvarez, Mallo, Cabral, Gomez, Planas, Fernandez, Wass, Nolito, Hernandez, Orellana, Aspas

Barcelona

Luis Enrique surprised many in the fixture against Levante, fielding a 4-3-3 with what looked like 4 strikers on the pitch, with regulars Messi and Neymar joined by El Haddadi and Sandro Ramirez. And this did show on the final scoreline as they thumped the visitors 4-1 at Camp Nou. Tomorrow’s game, however, could see the more common troika of Suarez-Messi-Neymar back on the pitch in front of regulars Iniesta, Rakitic and Busquets.

Line-up (4-3-3): Stegen, Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Jordi Alba, Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta, Suarez, Messi, Neymar

Key Battles

Nolito vs Pique

The Spanish striker has been on song since the start of the season and already has 4 goals from as many games. He likes to cut in from the right and infiltrate the opponent’s box. It will be interesting to see if the Barcelona transfer target gets the better of Gerard Pique or if Pique’s experience trumps the surging Spaniard.

Messi vs Planas

La Masia’s brightest product will be up against another fellow La Masia product, Carles Planas, who as a left back has shown a lot of promise. Also having been teammates in the Barcelona first team for some time, it will be interesting to see if the 24 year old left back has seen enough of Messi to successfully defend against him

Prediction

Celta Vigo 1-2 Barcelona

Though this fixture has off late shown a lack of goals, it promises to be a fight worth the money. As many agree, Celta Vigo’s brand of football is one of the most entertaining in Spain, if not in all of Europe. However, that doesn’t discount the fact that Barcelona in all their splendor have proven to be the best in Spain, if not in all of Europe. With key players on song, Celta Vigo scoring against Barcelona shouldn’t be a surprise, but with Luis Enrique expected to field all his regulars unlike the last game against Levante, it will be difficult for Celta Vigo to get points from this fixture.

Betting Odds (bet365)

Celta Vigo – 5/1Barcelona – 11/2Draw – 7/2