Almeria vs Celta Vigo Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Spanish Primera
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
When is Almeria vs Celta Vigo on and what time does it start? Almeria vs Celta Vigo will take place on Friday 1st September, 2023 – 20:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Almeria vs Celta Vigo? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Almeria vs Celta Vigo on in the UK? Almeria vs Celta Vigo will be televised live on LaLigaTV, but La Liga matches are also televised occasionally on Viaplay Sports and ITV
Where can I stream Almeria vs Celta Vigo in the UK? Almeria vs Celta Vigo can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
ALMERIA
Almeria gained promotion to La Liga in the summer of 2022 and, in their first season back in the top-flight, narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of the season, staying up in what was an extremely competitive division. The Andalusians are expected to struggle throughout the campaign once again and they have made a poor start so far.
They come into this having lost their opening two matches, firstly by two goals to nil against a Rayo Vallecano side that are also expected to struggle and then losing 3-1 at home to a very strong Real Madrid side. Last weekend, they shared a 1-1 draw in a regional derby with Cadiz, going 1-0 down before the hour-mark with just ten men before scoring deep into second-half stoppage-time to earn their first point of the season.
CELTA VIGO
Last season, Celta Vigo narrowly escaped relegation. The Galicians started the season with Eduardo Coudet but eventually moved on to former Swansea City and Sheffield Wednesday manager Carlos Carvalhal. Carvalhal led them to mid-table but they collapsed again towards the end of the season, requiring last-ditch attempts to scrap for points.
Over the summer, they have moved on from Carvalhal and appointed former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez. The Galicians started the season with a 2-0 loss at home to Osasuna before nicking a last gasp point in the Basque Country away to Real Sociedad and then losing 1-0 back at Balaidos against Real Madrid. In the meantime, Celta have sold their star young player Gabri Veiga to Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli.
THE TEAM NEWS
ALMERIA
Almeria are able to welcome back Leo Baptistao from injury but they will now be without Edgar Gonzalez who received a red card last weekend in their draw with Cadiz.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Maximiano; Pubill, Chumi, Zaldua, Akieme; Baba, Lopy; Embarba, Arribas, Pugimal; Suarez
UNAVAILABLE: Edgar (Suspended), Svidersky (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
CELTA VIGO
Rafa Benitez’s narrow 4-4-2 system does actually mean the Galicians miss injured duo Goncalo Paciencia and Carles Perez, especially without Gabri Veiga, but they remain unavailable for this weekend.
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Villar; Mingueza, Starfelt, Nunez, Aidoo; Cervi, Beltran, de la Torre, Bamba; Aspas, Strand Larsen
UNAVAILABLE: Paciencia (Injured), Perez (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
With 35 games of La Liga to go, it is a bit harsh and hasty to suggest these two are set to be in the mire throughout the campaign but: these two are set to be in the mire throughout the campaign. The visitors do have a squad that boasts serious quality, especially in attack with the likes of Jonathan Bamba and Iago Aspas. Up against a poor Almeria side, Rafa Benitez’s Galicians are edging towards a genuinely good performance level and a double chance bet in their favour looks the way to go for this one.
TIP: DOUBLE CHANCE – CELTA VIGO TO WIN OR DRAW
