Celta Vigo will be taking on Espanyol at the Balaidos as both teams look to move away from the bottom half of the table.
Match Details:
Date- Thursday, September 26
Time- 11:30PM (IST)
Venue- Balaidos
Celta Vigo Team News
Fran Escriba’s men currently find themselves at the 16th spot in the league with just five points under their belts.
Off the five games played, Celta Vigo has won one, drawn two, and lost two. That one success came against Valencia as Gabriel Fernandez scored the only goal of the match.
In spite of the negative start, one can only say that the opening few fixtures have been difficult particularly when they got to face Real Madrid, Sevilla, and Athletico Madrid.
Though they did suffer a 3-1 loss to Real Madrid, Celta Vigo displayed sheer resilience against Sevilla and Atletico Madrid away from home as both games ended with as a draw.
Fran Beltran and Jorge Saenz will both return from suspension and should be available for the midfield role.
Rafinha has been declared fit and could be present at right-midfield against Espanyol.
David Junca remains the only doubt for the forthcoming league encounter.
Espanyol Team News
Espanyol has been on the receiving end of three defeats, while also drawing one and winning one in La Liga this season. As a result of the recent outcomes, Espanyol finds itself at the 18th spot with four points in hand.
Espanyol’s only win was a 2-1 victory over Eibar away from home. Their most recent defeat was 3-1 to Real Sociedad, and their only draw was a 0-0 to Alaves.
Naldo has undergone his suspension and should be available at centre back to partner up with Fernando Calero.
Adria Pedrosa and Javi Lopez are expected to be available at full-back, while David Lopez is also close to his return.
Oscar Melendo and Matias Vargas are likely to cover the wide areas while Jonathan Calleri occupies the space in front.
Ander Iturraspe, Facundo Ferreyra, and Sebastien Corchia will be on the sidelines due to injuries.
Predicted Lineups
Celta Vigo- Blanco; Mallo, Aidoo, Araujo, Olaza; Rafinha, Lobotka, Beltran, Suarez; Aspas, Mina
Espanyol- D Lopez, Pedrosa, Calero, Naldo, Lopez; Darder, Roca, Sanchez; Vargas, Melendo, Calleri
Key Points
In the last six games between the two clubs, four matches have ended in a draw, while one game each has been won by Celta Vigo and Espanyol during that period.
Out of those four draws, three of them have been at Celta Vigo’s home ground.
Espanyol is undefeated in their last six away La Liga fixtures.
Though Rafinha had just had one appearance for Celta Vigo this season, he can prove to be the difference in midfield.
Denis Suarez also is a threat from midfield for Celta Vigo, in spite of scoring and assisting just once.
Sebastien Corchia can prove to be pivotal for Espanyol. Corchia has played just the two games for his club but does manage to bring in tenacity as his pass success ratio is 85%
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