Barcelona are back in La Liga action on Saturday after securing back-to-back 5-0 triumphs as they host Rafa Benitez’s Celta Vigo.
It’s been quite the week for Xavi Hernandez, whose side have dazzled in their last two outings. Summer arrival Joao Felix starred as Barca thrashed European hopefuls Real Betis last weekend before they opened their Champions League account with an emphatic triumph over Royal Antwerp on Tuesday night.
The Catalans are purring, but Benitez might have a trick or two up his sleeve when his Celta side visit Catalonia this weekend. It’s been a mixed start for Rafa in Vigo, with his side claiming just four points from their opening five games. However, the underlying figures suggest Celta have underperformed in front of goal and thus an upturn in results may well be on its way soon.
Here’s 90min’s preview of Barcelona‘s upcoming La Liga clash with Celta Vigo.
Barcelona vs Celta Vigo H2H record (last five games)
Current form (last five competitive games)
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Country |
TV channel/live stream |
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United Kingdom |
LaLigaTV, Viaplay Sports 1 |
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United States |
ESPN Deportes, ESPN+, fuboTV, ESPN App |
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Canada |
TSN2, TSN+ |
Xavi named a strong starting XI on Tuesday night in Barca’s emphatic Champions League triumph and there should be a couple of changes from that team.
The steady Oriol Romeu could return to the base of midfield, while young Lamine Yamal may replace Raphinha, who shone in the week down the right.
The boss is unlikely to change his backline with Joao Cancelo quickly settling in Catalonia and Ronald Araujo on the sidelines until the October international break. Pedri will also be absent this weekend.
Barcelona predicted lineup (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Kounde, Christensen, Balde; Romeu, De Jong, Gundogan; Yamal, Lewandowski, Felix.
Benitez has experimented with his lineup at the start of his managerial tenure, with the wily old-timer switching to a back three after starting out with a 4-4-2.
The former Newcastle boss has little to worry about on the injury front at the moment, although he’s still without midfielder Franco Cervi, who’s dealing with a muscle issue. He’s expected to return at the start of October.
Oscar Mingueza is in contention to start against his former club on Saturday.
Celta Vigo predicted lineup (3-4-3): Villar; Nunez, Starfelt, Dominguez; Mingueza, Beltran, De la Torre, Ristic; Douvikas, Aspas, Bamba.
Benitez will be hoping his side can emulate a performance similar to Getafe’s on Matchday 1 against this Barcelona side, although La Blaugrana have since added a few more strings to their bow with the two Joaos arriving at the end of the window.
Cancelo and Felix render this Barca side an irresistible attacking force and it’s hard to envisage the visitors containing them for the entirity of the contest. While Celta almost held off Real Madrid at the start of the campaign, this Barca outfit is a different beast going forward compared to their Clasico rivals.
An early goal for the hosts is imperative, but Barca should win comfortably nonetheless.
Prediction: Barcelona 3-0 Celta Vigo
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