Prediction: Celta Vigo vs Barcelona

Prediction: Barcelona win

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: bet365

The La Liga season is really starting to heat up following the restart – and we don’t just mean the weather, either. It’s going to be a dramatic few weeks as we wait and see what’s going to happen at both ends of the table, with the title race and the relegation battle still being undetermined. This weekend, Celta Vigo and Barcelona will attempt to take a big step towards either winning the championship or surviving for another season when they meet at Estadio de Balaídos.

Celta Vigo

Defensively, Celta Vigo have been up there with the best in Spanish football across their last six games. On top of that, they also seem to have more than just a few goals within their ranks. Their 6-0 triumph over Alaves really did put their potential into sharp perspective, giving fans an idea of what they could accomplish next season if they were to remain in the league. If they want to avoid the drop, though, they first need to build up some consistency.

Team News

Yokuslu is back after his recent suspension whereas Mallo isn’t expected to be rushed back into the starting XI. Alvarez and Junca are both out of action through injury, whereas Beltran is a doubt.

Barcelona

All Barcelona can do is keep winning and hope that their rivals, Real Madrid, slip up in the title race. They’ve been inconsistent up top but certainly know how to keep a clean sheet, and now, they just need to rediscover their ability to kill games off once and for all. They’ll be more motivated than ever to get the job done, but there’s still a lot of football left to be played – and Celta aren’t going to lie down and take a beating.

Team News

Busquets is suspended after reaching the necessary yellow card milestone, Roberto is a doubt and his fitness will be reviewed before the game, whereas Dembele & de Jong have both been ruled out.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in November, Barcelona beat Celta Vigo 4-1.
• Celta Vigo have won two, drawn three and lost one of their last six games.
• Barcelona have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
• Celta Vigo have scored seven goals and conceded one in their last six games.
• Barcelona have scored eight goals and conceded two in their last six games.

Conclusion

We’ve seen plenty of defensive stalemates over the course of the last few weeks upon football returning to our screens, and we think both teams are going to put on a defensive masterclass once again here. However, as is so often the case with the beautiful game, the quality of Barca will shine through in the form of a late goal to give them all three points. It isn’t going to be the most attractive game of football we’ve ever seen, but it’ll be enough to keep Barca in the hunt for the title.

Prediction: Barcelona win

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: bet365