Prediction: Barcelona vs Celta Vigo

Verdict: Joao Felix to score anytime

Best Odds: 21/10

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Looking to extend on their early-season romp this weekend, Barcelona will welcome Celta Vigo to Catalonia on Saturday evening.

Barcelona

Starting with the hosts, opening their Champions League adventure with a thumping performance in Catalonia as they claimed a 5-0 romp against Antwerp, Barcelona are certainly riding a recent wave of momentum. Making La Liga history last season as they got their hands on a first domestic crown since 2019, Xavi’s squad should find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Marking their return from September’s international break with another stellar display as they landed a 5-0 victory against Real Betis, the Spanish heavyweight will be looking to lay down another marker this weekend. Heading into the fortnight interval with a lovely 2-1 win away at Osasuna, Barca have now won each of their previous five appearances across all competitions. With their eye-catching flurry underlined by an action-packed 4-3 win away at Villarreal on August 27th, it is also worth highlighting that the reigning La Liga champions have notched 18 goals on their five-match winning run.

Team News

Bagging a Champions League brace against Antwerp earlier in the week and continuing to shine since completing his Deadline Day switch from Atletico Madrid, Joao Felix will once again partner Robert Lewandowski in the final third.

However, still dealing with a recent muscle injury and not making a single appearance over the past month, Xai’s side are once again sweating over midfield talisman Pedri on Saturday evening.

Celta Vigo

As for the visitors, while Celta Vigo might have headed into September’s international break with an action-packed 3-2 loss away at Almeria, Rafael Benitez’s side came immediately crashing back down to earth last weekend. Marking their return from the fortnight interval with a toothless display on home soil as they slumped to a 1-0 loss at the hands of Mallorca, the former Newcastle boss is calling on his squad to find some much-needed stability. Signing off August with another 1-0 defeat against Real Madrid, the Sky Blues are already battling it out at the foot of the La Liga table. Forced to settle for a downbeat bottom-half finish last season, Celta open this weekend’s fixtures holding just a one-point buffer from slipping into the drop zone. With just one win from their opening five top-flight showdowns, Benitez’s side should be bracing themselves for a stern challenge here.

Team News

Not making a La Liga appearance since back on August 25th, Celta Vigo will once again be without 29-year-old Franco Cervi when they travel to Catalonia this weekend. However, aside from the ex-Benfica star, Benitez’s side have reported a clean bill of health.

While 23-year-old Jorgen Strand Larsen might have notched just a single La ligations strike from his opening five appearances, the Norway international will spearhead Celta’s charge on Saturday evening.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met back on June 4th, Celta Vigo picked up a 2-1 victory at Balaidos.
• However, the Sky Blues have managed to muster just a single win from any of their opening five La Liga appearances this season.
• Including their Champions League romp against Antwerp a few days ago, Barcelona have secured back-to-back 5-0 victories over the past week.
• Bagging a brace on Champions League duties in midweek, Portugal international Joao Felix has scored four goals in his last three appearances for club and country.
• Barcelona have won five of their previous six showdowns against Celta Vigo in Catalonia.

Conclusion

Opening their Champions League adventure with a stellar 5-0 romp against Antwerp in midweek, Barcelona are in the midst of a real purple patch. Marking their return from September’s international break with another 5-0 victory against Real Betis, Saturday’s hosts will be looking to lay down another marker here. Winning each of their previous five appearances across all competitions and gaining a reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third, Barca will be looking to cash in on a Celta squad that are showing some extended issues. Mustering just a single victory from their opening five La Liga showdowns, it should also be noted that Benitez’s side have lost five of their previous six trips to Catalonia.

Verdict: Joao Felix to score anytime

Best Odds: 21/10

Bookmaker: Olympusbet