Prediction: Celta Vigo vs Barcelona

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Two sides who find themselves battling it out at opposite ends of the La Liga table, Barcelona will travel to Balaidos on Saturday evening when they meet Celta Vigo.

Celta Vigo

Starting with the hosts, while Celta Vigo might have opened February with a much-needed 3-0 romp away at Osasuna, Rafa Benitez’s side came crashing back down to earth last weekend. Eventually falling to an action-packed 3-2 defeat at the hands of Getafe, the former Newcastle boss finds some mounting pressure on his shoulders. Enduring what has been another public La Liga struggle this season, the Sky Blues are scrapping it out to keep hold of their top-flight status. Holding just a three-point buffer from slipping into the drop zone, Celta Vigo have lost four of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Likewise, gaining a reputation for their extended struggles on home soil, it should also be highlighted that Saturday’s hosts have lost their last three contests at Balaidos by an aggregate score of 4-1.

Team News

Not making a single appearance since the start of October and still dealing with a long-term Achilles tendon injury, Celta Vigo will once again be without former Genk defender Joseph Aidoo on Saturday evening. Likewise, sustaining a hip issue earlier in the month, ex-Real Madrid starlet Carlos Dotor is seen as a major doubt here.

However, returning from the Ivory Coast AFCON triumph last weekend, Jonathan Bamba could make a full return at Balaidos. Bagging back-to-back strikes since opening February, Norway international Jorgen Strand Larsen will spearhead Benitez’s charge here.

Barcelona

As for the visitors, while Barcelona might have made real history last season as they claimed a first La Liga crown since 2019, the Spanish heavyweights have struggled to find a similar level this time around. With it confirmed last month that Xavi will be leaving the Nou Camp at the end of the season, Barca have already accepted that they will be relinquishing their domestic crown in 2024. Missing out on what they billed as a golden opportunity last weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 3-3 stalemate at home against Granada, the Catalonia giants have won just a pair of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Crashing out of the Copa del Rey on January 24th following a shock 4-2 drumming at the hands of Athletic Bilbao, Saturday’s guests will know the importance of claiming a crucial domestic boost at Balaidos.

Team News

All still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Barcelona will once again be without the trio of Marcos Alonso, Alejandro Balde and Gavi on Saturday evening. Likewise, sustaining an ankle blow last month and missing not featuring since January 27th, Xavi i sweating over the fitness of Atletico Madrid loanee Joao Felix here.

Getting on the scoresheet against Granada last weekend and notching a 10th La Liga strike of the season, ex-Bayern Munich ace Robert Lewandowski will spearhead Barca’s charge at Balaidos. 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal will once again partner the Polish icon in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Celta Vigo and Barcelona met for their reverse La Liga showdown back on September 27th, the defending champions picked up a 3-2 victory in Catalonia.
• Barca have won three of their previous four La Liga meetings against Saturday’s hosts.
• Celta Vigo have lost four of their last five domestic appearances across all competitions.
• Likewise, the Sky Blues have lost all of their previous three home fixtures by an aggregate score of 4-1.
• All of Barcelona’s last 10 showdowns away from the Nou Camp have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

In a showdown that tends to produce fireworks, neutrals could be treated to an action-packed battle on Saturday evening. With Barcelona eventually having to settle for a thrilling 3-3 stalemate at home against Granada last weekend, chances could come thick and fast here. It should also be noted, with the defending champions seeing all of their previous 10 straight away fixtures finishing with both teams getting on the scoresheet, we are expecting a similar outcome from Balaidos.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Dachbet