Celta de Vigo v Barcelona - betting preview and odds

Celta de Vigo v Barcelona - Betting preview and odds

Wednesday, September 23 2015 19:00pm - Estadio Municipal de Balaidos

La Liga

The La Liga action continues on Wednesday night when leaders Barcelona make the trip to Galicia to take on fourth-placed Celta de Vigo.

Celta unbeaten

Celta Vigo coach Eduardo Berizzo is confident that his team can beat reigning La Liga champions Barcelona and overtake them in the league standings. The Galicians are just two points behind the Champions League winners and have yet to lose in four Primera Division matches.

So far this season, only Rafa Benitez’s Real Madrid have scored more goals than Berizzo’s men who have already found the net on 10 occasions. They will be looking to inflict their own brand of entertaining football on the Catalan team when they visit on Wednesday.

The home side’s good form is no surprise - they finished 10th in the league last season and were one of the most entertaining teams to watch. Former coach Luis Enrique will be well aware of their qualities having led them to a ninth-place finish during his spell in charge in 2013/14.

Celta’s only dropped points came in a thrilling 3-3 encounter with newly-promoted Las Palmas - another team that favours an attacking brand of football. In their last outing, they disposed of Europa League champions Sevilla by two goals to one.

Barca weathering the storm

After another trophy-laden season and a punishing pre-season schedule, Barcelona could have been forgiven for feeling a little jaded at the start of the new campaign. However, they have managed to begin the defence of their title with a 100% record. Luis Enrique will have to find the right balance of form and fitness in order to maintain his team’s position at the top of the table.

Team news

Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta were rested against Levante but should return to the line-up for this game. Gerard Pique could also return to action after serving his four-match ban.

Celta will be without defender Jonny who picked up two yellow cards against Sevilla and will be suspended.

Recent form

Celta de Vigo: WDWW

Barcelona: WWWW

Betting odds and tips

The game should be a stylish battle as two of the league’s most pleasing-to-watch teams go head-to-head in northwest Spain.

Until they beat them 1-0 at the Camp Nou last December, Celta had not won in nine games against their opponents. Following that game, the Blaugrana boss came under increasing pressure from certain quarters, and within weeks there were rumours circulating that his future was in doubt.

The last time the Galicians beat Barca at the Estadio Municipal de Balaidos (2004), was also Luis Enrique’s last game as a professional player.

Barca will be many people’s banker on Wednesday night but don’t underestimate the home side. Celta are a team on the up and their confidence levels are sky high. They should take a more adventurous approach than last year - when they lost 1-0 - and if they lose on Wednesday, they will want do it in style.

In a game featuring Suarez, Neymar, Messi and Nolito - there should be goals. Back Both Teams to Score at 4/6 with bet365. With 4 goals in 4 games, Celta front man Nolito is in the zone - you can back him to score anytime at 3/1 with betway.

Go To bet365

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22/09/2015     © Frixo 2024