Prediction: Correct Score 2-2
Odds: 18/1
Bookmaker: William Hill
Barcelona will be hoping to claw themselves back into the title race this weekend as they host Celta Vigo at the Nou Camp on Sunday evening.
The Catalans currently sit four points off of the pace with just two matches of La Liga remaining so a win this weekend would be crucial. Meanwhile, Eduardo Coudet’s men still have a slight chance of European football so will hope to secure a boost with victory.
Barcelona
Having somewhat been in contention for the crown just a few weeks earlier, Barca’s chances now seem remote after a poor run of form since the end of April. They have now just one out of their last four league matches following their 3-3 draw with Levante last time out. It looked like Ronald Koeman’s men were set to secure what would have been a huge victory having been 3-2 up heading into the last ten minutes but were denied late on by Sergio Leon’s strike. The draw extends Barca’s shakey recent defensive record having shipped ten goals in their last seven matches in the league, as well as having only claimed one clean sheet in that time – that being the 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid last weekend. It all means that Barca now have to win each of their last two matches of the season and hope results hugely go their way if they want to stand any chance of lifting the title.
Team News
Barcelona will be missing Ronald Araujo and Sergi Roberto after they picked up injuries vs Levante. Meanwhile, Frenkie de Jong is set to be suspended. There are also a couple of long-term injury issues for Koeman to contend with for the match. Ansu Fati remains out with a knee injury. He has not played since November. Meanwhile, Philippe Coutinho is set to miss the remainder of the campaign having also undergone surgery for a knee issue.
Celta Vigo
Celta are in stunning form as they travel to the Camp Nou to face Barcelona. Los Celestes have won each of their last four games in the league – their second-longest winning run of the season. Whilst that is remarkable on its own, it is even more impressive considering their horrendous run of form before that. Between December and April, the club only managed to win four out of 18 league matches, form that could have certainly seen them be plunged into relegation trouble but for their four-match winning run before that. They now have the chance to also secure some history too with the opportunity to win five consecutive top-flight league games for the first time since 2001. A win would also go a long way in potentially propelling them to a European finish. As it stands, they currently sit eighth in the table and five points behind sixth-placed Real Betis. They do not have much room for manoeuvre then if they want to secure their first European campaign since their venture into the Europa League in 2016.
Team News
Facundo Ferreyra and Nestor Araujo can return to the Celta line-up after serving suspension. However, Coudet will still be without the services of Sergio Alvarez, Ruben Blanco, Emre Mor, Jeison Murrilo and Renato Tapia due to injury.
Key Facts To Consider
- Celta haven’t won at the Camp Nou in La Liga since 2014
- There has not been fewer than two goals scored in a game between the two in any of the last 13 meetings in all competitions
- Lionel Messi has 13 goals and 12 assists in just 18 career appearances vs Celta
- Barca have only lost one out of their last ten meeting vs Celta Vigo
- Barcelona’s La Liga hopes could be over with any less than a win
Conclusion
Both clubs certainly need a victory in their respective seasons. Barcelona hold the recent history between the sides but Celta will be no pushovers considering their recent impressive run. They will hope to capitalise on the Catalans’ poor recent defensive record in what could be a high scoring draw.
Prediction: Correct Score 2-2
Odds: 18/1
Bookmaker: William Hill
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