Celta Vigo will be looking to make it five matches in a row without defeat in all competitions when they visit the RCDE Stadium to take on Espanyol. The visitors, meanwhile, come into this match lying 19th and will hope to end their losing run and get themselves out of the relegation zone.
Match Preview
Espanyol’s Struggles
It’s not been the easiest return to La Liga for Espanyol, who lie 19th in the table with a mere 10 points from 13 matches so far, having suffered nine defeats in the ongoing season. At the back, they have been quite weak, shipping 26 goals-the second-highest this season so far.
In its past four games, White and Blue suffered defeat by big scorelines to Barcelona and Girona. Its last win was at home in early October against Mallorca and in its last five domestic appearances picked just one point.
Vigo’s Momentum
In contrast, Celta Vigo enters this clash with momentum. They staged a remarkable 2-2 draw against Barcelona last weekend, scoring twice in the dying moments. Claudio Giraldez’s side is 11th in La Liga with 18 points, just four behind sixth-placed Osasuna.
So far, the Sky Blues have been fun to watch as they have scored 22 in 14 matches but allowed 24. Historically, Celta has dominated Espanyol, only losing once to them in La Liga since 2017, including a 3-1 win in their last meeting.
Team News
Espanyol Updates
Espanyol have injury problems with Jose Gragera, Fernando Calero, and Edu Exposito out of this tie. Javi Puado, with five goals, is their leading scorer and will be important for the hosts. Tottenham Hotspur loanee Alejo Veliz is expected to lead the attack, with Alvaro Aguado possibly coming into midfield to replace Rafel Bauza.
Celta Vigo Updates
Celta will be without the services of Jailson and Luca de la Torre because of injuries. Their talisman in Iago Aspas should lead the line with his four goals and three assists this season. Alfon Gonzalez, who scored against Barcelona, is pushing for a start, but Jonathan Bamba and Hugo Alvarez on the flanks are likely to keep him out.
Predicted Line-ups
Espanyol (5-4-1)
Goalkeeper: J Garcia
Defense: Tejero, El Hilali, S Gomez, Cabrera, Romero
Midfield: Carreras, Aguado, Kral, Puado
Forward: Veliz
Celta Vigo (4-4-2)
Goalkeeper: Guaita
Defense: J Rodriguez, Starfelt, Alonso, Mingueza
Midfield: Alvarez, Beltran, Moriba, Bamba
Forwards: Douvikas, Aspas
Prediction
Given Espanyol’s vulnerabilities in defense and low form, it is quite difficult to imagine them securing an upset against Celta Vigo. The depth in an attacking sense from the away side, added to their struggles at both ends, tilts the scales in favour of Celta.
Fulltime Score: Espanyol 1-2 Celta Vigo
Expect a narrow win for Celta Vigo, with their dynamic forwards making the difference against a shaky Espanyol defense.
