Celta Vigo vs Barcelona
Spanish La Liga
Date: Thursday, 1 October 2020
Kick-off at 20:30 UK/ 21:30 CET
Venue: Estadio de Balaidos (Vigo).
Celta Vigo:
Celta Vigo has some promise going forward, but the game on Thursday will be all about stopping Barcelona to play their game, with focus on Joseph Aidoo and defense. Celta Vigo have been pretty solid defense in their first three games so far, conceding just two goals and keep a clean sheet in his first match against Eibar. Ghanaian Aidoo center of defense has been pretty key to that with his reading of the game and the ability to get rid of the danger, so 23 spaces free so far, more than any other player in the league this season. It will not be an easy night for the 25-year-old, but if he's on his game, then be driven to the least chance of a tie of the Celta de Vigo.
Barcelona:
One of the biggest problems in Barcelona in recent years has been its reliance on Lionel Messi. But Koeman has already shown that away, which allowed Ansu Fati prosper against Villarreal. Young hampered his playing time in recent seasons as Ernesto Valverde and Quique Setien opted for different formations and more experienced names. However, he was handed a start to the left of Koeman 4-2-3-1 with Messi playing as a striker. And the 4-0 win over Villarreal was the spectacle of Fati. Spanish took only 15 minutes to take control of the game, opening the scoring with a wonderful shot, having tied with Messi. He then completed a fast break later in the game with a good shot. Outside scoring, Fati was a constant threat on the ball, seeking to create chances and won the penalty for Messi goal. Fati will feature strongly under Koeman, Barcelona and set out greatly benefit.
Celta de Vigo vs Barcelona Head-to-Head
Barcelona has a predictably superior record against Celta Vigo and have won 12 games, a total of 21 games played between the two sides both. The Galicians have worried Barcelona on several occasions in the past, however, and can afford to be confident going into this game.
Celta de Vigo defeating Barcelona in June earlier this year and managed effectively to derail fight for the title of the Catalans. Iago Aspas has enjoyed particularly special moments against Barcelona and will likely play an important role in this match.
Vigo Celtic guide way League: D-W-D
Barcelona Guide League form: W
Celta de Vigo vs Barcelona Prediction
Barcelona change in the formation of Ronald Koeman has led to several positive changes so far. The Catalans appear to depend much less on the talisman Lionel Messi on this new tactical configuration and size of Philippe Coutinho and Ansu Fati had excellent games against Villarreal.
A road game against Celta de Vigo, however, presents a challenge of an entirely different nature. Local weaknesses of Barcelona is well known and the likes of Santi Mina and Iago Aspas will pose a threat on the counter. Ronald Koeman will have a plan in place to Barcelona and retrained so they can see the Catalans pick up an important road win this week.
Prediction: Celta de Vigo 1-2 Barcelona
