Soccer Spain LaLiga Prediction

Celta Vigo vs Girona - Match Preview

⚽ 22 May 2023 - 17:30 GMT +0

Despite sitting just one point shy of the heralded 40-point barrier, Celta Vigo is still far from safe from an intensely contested La Liga (LL) relegation battle. A run of four successive defeats has left them just four points clear of the drop zone, and with three rounds of the season still remaining, their top-flight status remains in the balance. Manager Carlos Carvalhal asserted there is “no panic” amongst his ranks, but a win here would help quell the supporters’ nerves.

The Sky Blues will be hoping home comforts can inspire that victory after Celta earned 23 of their 39 points at the Estadio de Balaídos. However, that 23-point total is only better than bottom two Espanyol and Elche. As each of their last eight LL victories here has been accompanied by a clean sheet, keeping it tight at the back has been profitable for Carvalhal’s men, who have conceded only 19 of their 50 league goals on home turf.

Shutting out Girona has proven to be a difficult task throughout the LL season, with the Catalan club scoring more than any LL side not currently in the top three. They’re still chasing Europe in their first season back in the top flight, but those hopes were dented by a defeat against Villarreal (2-1 )on Saturday which saw them concede in the 94th minute. It was the second consecutive time they dropped points (D1, L1), leaving them two points adrift of Athletic Club in the last European qualification position.

If Míchel’s men are to bridge that gap, then improving on a poor return of two wins from their last ten away league matches will be necessary here (D4, L4). Whatever the outcome, there’s unlikely to be much between the two sides, for none of their five top-flight H2Hs produced multiple goal-winning margins (one draw and two wins apiece).

📋 Players to watch: With Celta talisman Iago Aspas struggling with a back injury, Gabri Veiga may have to step up and end an eight-match LL scoring drought. Girona striker Cristhian Stuani has happy memories of this fixture, netting a brace the last time Celta visited Montilivi for a top-flight fixture back in September 2018.

⚡ Hot stat: Celta (12 goals conceded) and Girona (11) have the worst defensive records inside the first 15 minutes of play this LL season.