Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Luckster

In what could prove to be an enjoyable La Liga showdown on Friday evening, Celta Vigo will welcome Valencia to Baladios.

Celta Vigo

Starting with the hosts, spending large spells of last season looking over their shoulder at a looming relegation scrap, the Sky Blues are looking to find some much-welcomed stability this time around. Getting proceedings underway last weekend with a stellar comeback at Baladios as they secured a 2-1 victory against Alaves, Claudio Giraldez’s men will be hoping for a repeat performance on Friday evening. Appearing to have turned a corner prior to the summer break as they lost just one of their final five La Liga appearances, the Galicia-based outfit will also be excited by their extended success on home soil. In fact, continuing on from last season, Celta Vigo have collected 13 points from just their previous five top-flight showdowns in front of their own supporters.

Team News

Still dealing with a shoulder injury and not making a single appearance since the end of last season, former Crystal Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita remains on the sidelines and will not feature here. Likewise, struggling with a recent ankle issue, USA international Luca de la Torre is seen as a doubt on Friday evening.

Opening his La Liga account with a strike against Alaves last week, one-time Liverpool striker Iago Aspas will play a leading role in the final third. Former Celtic star Carl Starfelt will partner Carlos Dominguez at the heart of Celta’s defence.

Valencia

As for the visitors, while Valencia might have dragged themselves to a top-half finish last season, the Bats certainly limped their way over the finishing line. Failing to win any of their final seven La Liga appearances prior to the summer break, Ruben Baraja’s men are seeking some crucial stability this time around. However, getting proceedings underway last week as they suffered a 2-1 defeat at home against Spanish heavyweights Barcelona, the former Rayo Vallecano boss will also have a real headache over his side’s extended struggles at the back. Although Valencia might have a real challenge on their hands here, they will be excited by an eye-catching record against Friday’s hosts. In fact, Baraja’s camp have lost just one of their previous eight matchups against Celta Vigo – a run that stems all the way back to September 2020.

Team News

Still dealing with a stacked injury list, Valencia will once again be without the likes of Samu Castillejo, Mouctar Diakhaby and defensive talisman Jose Gaya. Likewise, dealing with a recent calf issue, the Bats are still sweating over the fitness of former Brentford star Sergi Canos on Friday evening.

Looking set to complete a move to Premier League giants Liverpool this summer, Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is not expected to feature here. Ex-Rayo Vallecano shot-stopper Stole Dimitrievski should start between the sticks and make his Valencia debut.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Celta Vigo and Valencia last met back on May 26th, Friday’s opponents played out a 2-2 stalemate at Baladios.
• Valencia have lost just one of their previous eight meetings against Celta across all competitions.
• Including their 2-1 win against Alaves last weekend, Celta have collected 13 points from their previous five La Liga matchups on home soil.
• Continuing on from last season, the Bats have failed to win any of their previous eight La Liga showdowns.
• Three of the last four meetings between Celta Vigo and Valencia have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

With Celta Vigo and Valencia playing out a thrilling 2-2 stalemate when they signed off the 2023/24 campaign back on May 26th, neutrals will be hoping for another thriller on Friday evening. In a contest that tends to produce plenty of action, chances could fall at both ends of the pitch. It should be noted, with three of the last four La Liga meetings between Friday’s opponents finishing with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome this weekend.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Luckster