Ace Football previews the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Celta Vigo and offers betting tips, odds, line-ups, and team news.
Only three points will do as Barcelona attempt to keep their faint La Liga title hopes alive against Celta Vigo on Sunday evening.
The Catalan club head into the match with a four-point gap to league leaders Atletico Madrid. With only two games left to play, they’re in a dire situation. It’s a win-or-bust scenario against Celta, who lie 26 points behind their third-placed opponents in eighth.
Despite home advantage, Barcelona cannot expect an easy ride at Camp Nou. The hosts have slipped on one too many occasions recently and their defensive issues could mean trouble against a free-scoring Celta.
FC Barcelona Form & Stats
Sergio Leon’s 83rd-minute equalizer cost Barcelona the spoils of victory in a 3-3 thriller at Levante midweek. The draw has effectively left the club’s title hopes hanging in the balance. With a four-point deficit, a miracle is now needed ahead of the final two games of the season.
All Barcelona’s excellent work in catching up to Atletico Madrid has gone up in smoke. They’ve messed up at such a crucial stage, having won only once in their last four matches (D2 L1). This, along with a disappointing Champions League campaign, has reportedly renewed doubts over Ronald Koeman’s future as the club’s manager.
The Dutchman needs to win the next two matches, starting with Celta Vigo on Sunday. Although Frenkie de Jong’s suspension won’t help his cause, leaving him without four first-team players.
Key Team Stats
- Won only 3 of their last 7 games in La Liga (D2 L2).
- Won 5 of their last 6 home games against Celta Vigo in all competitions (D1).
- Over 2.5 goals scored in 6 of their last 7 games in La Liga.
- BTTS in 6 of their last 7 games in La Liga.
- Scored in 50 of their 51 home games against Celta Vigo in La Liga.
- Shown the first card in their last 4 games against Celta Vigo in La Liga.
- Lionel Messi has scored 6 goals in his last 6 games in La Liga.
Celta Vigo Form & Stats
Nolito’s first-half goal sealed a 1-0 victory over Getafe midweek to extend Celta Vigo’s winning run to four games. They’ve been in impressive form, especially since Eduardo Coudet became manager in November.
The former Racing Club boss’ impact has been immense. To put it into context, Celta are up in eighth-place in La Liga despite finishing the last two seasons in 17th and have won 13 of their new manager’s 29 games (D7 L9). It’s a big turnaround, but will it be enough against Barcelona?
The Sky Blues have won only four of their 18 away league games (D8 L6), and have lost each of their three visits to Camp Nou. Their last win at Barcelona’s home ground came in November 2014.
Like his Barcelona counterpart Koeman, Coudet also has injury problems. In fact, he is without 10 first-team players for his 18-man traveling squad.
Key Team Stats
- On a 4-match winning run in La Liga.
- Won 3 of their last 5 away games in La Liga (D1 L1).
- Over 2.5 goals in their last 10 games in La Liga.
- Scored the first goal in 6 of their last 10 away games in La Liga.
- BTTS in 4 of their last 5 away games in La Liga.
- Iago Aspas has scored 7 goals in 12 games against Barcelona in La Liga.
Team News
FC Barcelona
Out: Ansu Fati, Philippe Coutinho, Sergi Roberto, Frenkie de Jong.
Doubts: Ronald Araujo.
Celta Vigo
Out: Sergio Alvarez, Ruben Blanco, Renato Tapia, Jeison Murillo, Hugo Mallo, Ferreyra, Emre Mor, David Costas, Jorge Saenz, Jose Fontan.
Doubts: N/A.
Predicted Line-ups
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)
Top Scorers in La Liga
Head-To-Head Record
Below are some head-to-head stats on each team’s recent form in La Liga.
Betting Tips
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