Preview
- Date: 26th May 2024
- Kick-off time: 2:15 PM (GMT)
- Venue: Estadio de Balaidos
After a close escape from relegation, the Estadio de Balaidos will be jam-packed on Sunday afternoon to show appreciation to the team. Rafa Benitez failed to meet his expectations, promising to take Celta Vigo to their glory days. The season started with a struggle managing just one win in 16 La Liga games, signalling another year fighting the relegation battle.
Even games at home did not give the side extra power, as it took mid-December to record their first 1-0 seasonal victory in La Liga at home. The damage was getting bigger as Vigo was eyeing formidable opposition against Girona, Barcelona, Betis, and Real Sociedad.
Rafa Benitez’s chair started to wobble as fans poured out their anger after seeing their side being destroyed every week. Things went out of hand after Real Madrid delivered the decisive blow to their former boss, who was sacked following the 4-0 defeat at Santiago Bernabeu.
However, the weather changed after the appointment of rookie Claudio Giraldez proved to be a successful gamble. The young manager had an instant impact producing a shock win at Sevilla. Finally, the fans started to believe in salvation. Despite a difficult schedule in the last quarter, Celta Vigo pulled a few impressive results reaching safety by winning 3 of their last 4 games against difficult opponents like Villareal, Athletic Bilbao, and Granada.
On the other hand, after narrowly escaping the drop zone last season, Valencia is in a better place this season. Having the managerial powers since last season’s dramatic escape the former Valencia legend Ruben Baraja set the target a bit higher this term. Although Valencia was in the European race, the inexplicable drop in the last few games took the visitors out of the race.
Valencia started the La Liga by storm defeating Sevilla and Las Palma, but towards the end, their campaign is on a negative note losing to Real Sociedad and Girona in the previous rounds. The New Year rekindled the early fire as they gained positive results against Villareal and Athletic Bilbao. Valencia’s impressive run of seven wins was put a hold by Betis. Thereby, the Bats’ start and finish of the season was like a mirror reflecting the opposite.
Rubens Baraja’s team was hit by the Betis setback and couldn’t bounce back in the subsequent games and fell down in the standings. The supporters will be more disappointed knowing the side will finish the season with just one point from their final six games.
Revenge is on the card for the visitors as they can seek revenge for their Copa del Rey elimination game loss to Celta Vigo at the beginning of the year.
Celta Vigo vs Valencia Team news
Celta Vigo
Claudio Giraldez’s intense input on his team has cost the loss of four players ruled out with injuries for the Valencia clash. This includes long-term absentee Joseph Aidoo, who is expected to return in October after sustaining an Achilles tendon surgery. Furthermore, Carlos Perez, Franco Cervi, and Mihailo Ristis suffered minor injuries that will keep them out of the last game.
Valencia
The busy schedule in La Liga games led to four players being injured in May. Mouctar Diakaby, Jesus Vazquez, Jaume Domenech, and Jose Gaya will not play against Celta Vigo, as they are expected to make a full recovery during the off-season.
Celta Vigo vs Valencia Predicted Lineups
Predicted IX
Celta Vigo (3-4-3): V. Guaita, J. Manquillo, C. Starfelt, Jailson, O. Mingueza, R. Tapia, H. Sotelo, L. de la Torre, I. Aspas, J. Larsen, Hugo
Valencia (4-4-2): G. Mamardashvili ,D. Foulquier, C. Mosquera ,C. Ozkacar, Y. Gasiorowski, D. Lopez Noguerol, Pepelu, J. Guerra Moreno, S. Canos, H. Duro, Alberto Mari
Celta Vigo vs Valencia Prediction
After Celta Vigo ensured safety last week, they enter this game with no pressure. Valencia is in terrible form and their collapse will favour the newly improved side.
Predicted scoreline: Celta Vigo 2-1 Valencia
Head to Head
Celta Vigo 8 win(s), Valencia 13 win(s), and 5 draw(s).
Copa Del Rey -17/01/2024
Valencia 1-3 Celta de Vigo
La Liga-25/11/2023
Valencia 0-0 Celta de Vigo
La Liga-14/05/2023
Valencia 1-2 Celta de Vigo
La Liga-17/09/2022
Celta de Vigo 3-0 Valencia
La Liga- 21/05/2022
Valencia 2-0 Celta de Vigo
Betting Tips and Odds
- Celta de Vigo: 2.02
- Draw: 3.66
- Valencia: 4.07
- Source- 1xBet (Odds are subject to change.)*
Where to watch
- India: Sports 18 1 HD (Selected La Liga Matches), Jio Cinema
- US: ESPN
- UK: DAZN
- Spain: Movistar
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