Best Odds: 10/11
Bookmaker:
In what could prove to be an enjoyable La Liga showdown on Friday evening, Celta Vigo will welcome Valencia to Baladios.
Celta Vigo
Starting with the hosts, spending large spells of last season looking over their shoulder at a looming relegation scrap, the Sky Blues are looking to find some much-welcomed stability this time around. Getting proceedings underway last weekend with a stellar comeback at Baladios as they secured a 2-1 victory against Alaves, Claudio Giraldez’s men will be hoping for a repeat performance on Friday evening. Appearing to have turned a corner prior to the summer break as they lost just one of their final five La Liga appearances, the Galicia-based outfit will also be excited by their extended success on home soil. In fact, continuing on from last season, Celta Vigo have collected 13 points from just their previous five top-flight showdowns in front of their own supporters.
Team News
Still dealing with a shoulder injury and not making a single appearance since the end of last season, former Crystal Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita remains on the sidelines and will not feature here. Likewise, struggling with a recent ankle issue, USA international Luca de la Torre is seen as a doubt on Friday evening.
Opening his La Liga account with a strike against Alaves last week, one-time Liverpool striker Iago Aspas will play a leading role in the final third. Former Celtic star Carl Starfelt will partner Carlos Dominguez at the heart of Celta’s defence.
Valencia
As for the visitors, while Valencia might have dragged themselves to a top-half finish last season, the Bats certainly limped their way over the finishing line. Failing to win any of their final seven La Liga appearances prior to the summer break, Ruben Baraja’s men are seeking some crucial stability this time around. However, getting proceedings underway last week as they suffered a 2-1 defeat at home against Spanish heavyweights Barcelona, the former Rayo Vallecano boss will also have a real headache over his side’s extended struggles at the back. Although Valencia might have a real challenge on their hands here, they will be excited by an eye-catching record against Friday’s hosts. In fact, Baraja’s camp have lost just one of their previous eight matchups against Celta Vigo a run that stems all the way back to September 2020.
Team News
Still dealing with a stacked injury list, Valencia will once again be without the likes of Samu Castillejo, Mouctar Diakhaby and defensive talisman Jose Gaya. Likewise, dealing with a recent calf issue, the Bats are still sweating over the fitness of former Brentford star Sergi Canos on Friday evening.
Looking set to complete a move to Premier League giants Liverpool this summer, Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is not expected to feature here. Ex-Rayo Vallecano shot-stopper Stole Dimitrievski should start between the sticks and make his Valencia debut.
Key Factors to Consider
