Prediction: Celta Vigo vs Barcelona

Verdict: Barcelona win 

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Seeking an immediate return to winning ways on Saturday night, Barcelona will travel to Balaidos when they meet Celta Vigo.

Celta Vigo

Starting with the hosts, suffering last-gasp heartbreak away at Real Betis prior to November’s international break as they eventually had to settle for a 2-2 stalemate, Celta Vigo have struggled to find any kind of stability so far this season. Despite opening November with a much-welcomed 1-0 win against Getafe, that is just the second La Liga victory that Claudio Giraldez’s men have recorded from any of their previous eight appearances. Signing off October with a nightmare 3-0 drumming at the hands of Leganes, the Sky Blues should be bracing themselves for a stern examination this weekend. Hit with a 2-1 loss when they welcomed Barcelona to town back on February 17th, they hold a woeful record against the La Liga leaders. In fact, Celta have claimed just a sole win from any of their previous five top flight showdowns against Saturday’s guests.

Team News

Still yet to make a single La Liga appearance so far this season, Celta Vigo will once again be without USA international Luca de la Torre on Saturday night. However, the Sky Blues are hopeful that former Villarreal youngster Sergio Carreira can return to Giraldez’s squad this weekend.

Finding the net in back-to-back La Liga appearances prior to November’s international break, Greek marksman Anastasios Douvikas will be hoping for a full recall. Arriving from Real Betis on a season-long loan deal over the summer, Borja Iglesias could be handed a rest.

Barcelona

As for the visitors, while Barcelona might have continued on a sensational rise since Hansi Flick’s arrival over the summer, the Spanish giants are seeking an immediate response when they return on Saturday night. Heading into November’s international break with a 1-0 loss away at Real Sociedad, the former Bayern Munich boss will be looking to prove that toothless performance as just a minor blip. Travelling to Balaidos this weekend holding a six-point buffer over the chasing pack, Barcelona find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. With many tipping Flick’s side as a leading title contender this year, they have also collected some heavyweight scalps. Storming their way to a famous 4-0 romp away at arch-rivals Real Madrid last month, the La Liga leaders should be smelling a potential opportunity here.

Team News

Forced to withdraw from Poland’s Nations League squad earlier in the month with a back issue, Barcelona are once again sweating over the fitness of Robert Lewandowski. Likewise, undergoing knee surgery back in September, veteran goalkeeper Marc-Andre her Stegen is not expected to feature over the remainder of the season.

Finding the net while away with Brazil last week and already registering 13 direct La Liga goal contributions, former Leeds star Raphinha will play a leading role. Enjoying what has been a sensational rise to superstardom, 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi will partner Inigo Martinez at the back.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Celta Vigo and Barcelona last met at Balaidos back on February 17th, Saturday’s guests collected a 2-1 victory.
• Barcelona have collected 12 points from their last five La Liga showdowns against the Sky Blues.
• Flick’s title contenders mark their return from November’s international break holding a six-point buffer at the top of the table.
• Celta Vigo have registered just a pair of wins from any of their previous eight La Liga appearances.
• Six of the last seen meetings between Celta Vigo and Barcelona have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Heading into November’s international break with a 1-0 loss against Real Sociedad, Barcelona are seeking an immediate response here. However, still holding a six-point buffer at the top of the La Liga table, Flick’s title contenders should also be excited by a dominant record against Saturday’s hosts. Including a 2-1 victory when they last travelled to Balaidos back on February 17th, they have collected 12 points from their previous five La Liga showdowns against the Sky Blues.

Verdict: Barcelona win 

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet