Celta Vigo vs Alaves Preview: Team News & Prediction
by Alex Lawes ·
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Celta Vigo enjoyed a famous midweek as the Galicians now return to domestic action with the visit of Deportivo Alaves to Balaidos on Sunday afternoon.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so any game may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / US – ESPN+
Celta Vigo preview: Celta in Europe
Celta Vigo come into this one on the back of a comfortable and impressive 2-0 defeat of nine-man Olympique Lyonnais as they completed a 3-1 aggregate victory in the round of 16 of the UEFA Europa League with goals from Javi Rueda and Ferran Jutgla.
Claudio Giraldez has his Celta side pushing for European glory on one front but, with the top five expected to be enough for UEFA Champions League qualification, they are also focused on that ahead of the run-in.
Alaves preview: Struggling Alaves
With former Celta boss Eduardo Coudet having departed the Basque Country for River Plate last month, Alaves appointed former Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores but it has been a slow start to the new era as they remain winless.
The Basque outfit head into this one on the back of a 1-1 draw with Villarreal at the Mendizorrotza last weekend, extending their current winless run of form to seven matches across all competitions.
Celta Vigo team news: Midfield issues
Celta Vigo have midfield issues to deal with this weekend as Ilaix Moriba is unavailable due to suspension, alongside injured Miguel Roman, while experienced Uruguay international defensive midfielder Matias Vecino is a doubt.
Predicted XI (3-4-3): Radu; Alvaro Nunez, Starfelt, Marcos Alonso; Oscar Mingueza, Hugo Sotelo, Fer Lopez, Sergio Carreira; Pablo Duran, Ferran Jutgla, Iago Aspas
Unavailable: Ilaix Moriba (Suspended), Miguel Roman (Injured)
Questionable: Matias Vecino (Injured)
Alaves team news: Yusi suspended
Quique Sanchez Flores has no fresh injury issues to deal with but former Real Madrid left-back Yusi is unavailable due to suspension and so is sidelined for the trip to Balaidos.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Antonio Sivera; Jonny, Tenaglia, Xanet Olaiz Ibarzabal, Victor Parada; Denis Suarez, Pablo Ibanez, Antonio Blanco, Carles Alena; Toni Martinez, Lucas Boye
Unavailable: Garces (Disciplinary), Yusi (Suspended)
Questionable:
Celta Vigo vs Alaves prediction
Celta begin the match day sitting just three points behind Real Betis, who are fifth and occupying what will likely be enough for UEFA Champions League qualification from La Liga. Celta were frustrated by their 1-1 draw with Betis last weekend. Alaves haven’t been as poor as results would suggest of late but this is still a tough test, albeit they may not be straightforward opposition for their hosts.
Celta Vigo vs Alaves tip: Celta Vigo to win & both teams to score
