Celta Vigo welcome Getafe to the Estadio Municipal de Balaidos on Monday night, hoping the visitors can make it five La Liga matches without defeat. Celta sit 11th in the table on 13 points from their opening 11 matches and will hope to make the most of a home matchup against Getafe, 16th with 10 points and seeking to avoid a potential return to the relegation zone.
Match Preview
Celta Vigo have represented a picture of highs and lows this season, having recorded four wins, one draw, and six losses in 11 matches. Having struggled with defense at times, they net the ball 17 times, putting them up with one of the most thrilling attacking records in La Liga. However, their conceded goals of 20 are ranked second from the bottom of the league, which cost them points in crucial games. Celta’s recent league form comprises two losses to Real Madrid and Leganes, while getting a convincing 5-1 victory over UD San Pedro in the Copa del Rey.
Celta finished 13th in La Liga last season, and although they look a lot stronger this term, ensuring their rear guard is tighter remains key for any sort of top-half finish. History, however, goes Getafe’s way as they have beaten Celta three times in the last five encounters with a win in their most recent clash in February 3-2.
Meanwhile, Getafe come into the game with just one win in La Liga this season-a 2-0 win against Alaves back in September-but they do have a four-game unbeaten run with draws against Osasuna, Villarreal, and Valencia. Having scored only eight goals, the low-scoring record of Getafe has been balanced out by their solid defence, with only nine conceded-the joint second-best in the league.
Manager José Bordalás will be looking for his team to finally end their drought in away games, where they have not won since April. Key player Christantus Uche, whose recent performances have sparked interest by top clubs like Chelsea, will be one to watch as Getafe look to secure a positive result.
Celta Vigo’s Recent Form:
La Liga: LLDWLL
All Competitions: LDWLLW
Getafe’s Recent Form:
La Liga: DLWDDD
Team News
Celta Vigo has a host of injury concerns: Carlos Dominguez, Tadeo Allende, Sergio Carreira, Joseph Aidoo, Jailson, and Luca de la Torre won’t be available for selection. Tasos Douvikas, with two goals in the Copa del Rey midweek, may be rewarded with a place in the La Liga lineup alongside some established names, Iago Aspas. Claudio Giraldez could make several changes from his cup lineup. Ilaix Moriba, Marcos Alonso, and Oscar Mingueza will return.
For Getafe, Borja Mayoral is a doubt to feature with a muscular problem but other than that, Bordalás has almost a full squad at his disposal. Christantus Uche should start up front alongside Bertug Yildirim. Alex Sola and Carles Perez can be expected to start out on the wings. Mauro Arambarri, scorer in Getafe’s most recent away game against Valencia, will be present in central midfield.
Predicted Lineup:
Celta Vigo
Guaita; Manquillo, Starfelt, Alonso; Mingueza, Sotelo, Moriba, Alvarez; Aspas, Iglesias, Douvikas
Getafe
Soria; Iglesias, Dakonam, Alderete, Rico; Perez, Arambarri, Milla, Sola; Uche, Yildirim
Prediction
Celta Vigo 1-1 Getafe
Getafe has been the king of draws in recent times, with seven from their 11 league games this season. Going by the relative strengths and weaknesses of the two sides, another draw is highly probable in this fixture, with points possibly shared in what could be a tightly contested affair.
