Celta Vigo vs Mallorca prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2023-09-15 16:30.
Celta Vigo would have been relieved to get their first win of the 2023/24 La Liga (LL) season before the international break, securing a thrilling 3-2 success over Almería which was a welcome boost for boss Rafa Benítez after a poor start to the campaign was compounded by losing star midfielder Gabri Veiga. Celta could now alleviate early season relegation fears by sealing back-to-back victories, something they last managed back in March.
Achieving that will require an improvement in their showings at the Estadio de Balaídos, where the Sky Blues have lost both of their LL matches so far this season. Losing a third in succession for the first time since September 2021 would be a disastrous way for Benitez to introduce himself to his new supporters, but the sight of visitors Mallorca could boost him as he has won each of his last four personal H2Hs against them, albeit the last one was in March 2004!
Mallorca could make for unhappy travellers too after failing to win any of their first four LL matches of the season (D2, L2). A 0-0 draw with Athletic Bilbao sent Javier Aguirre’s men into the international break level on points with the sides in the relegation zone, and the Mexican will be desperate to avoid his side failing to win any of their first five league games in a season for the first time since 2014/15.
The Pirates can at least take happy memories from this fixture last season having won both H2Hs by a 1-0 scoreline, part of a strong recent record at the Balaídos (W2, D2, L1). But hitting the road is where Mallorca have been weakest of late, with just one win coming from their last 14 away LL matches (D2, L11).
Players to watch: Yet to open his account for the season, Celta striker Iago Aspas has directly contributed to six goals in as many matches against Mallorca (G4, A2). Opposite number Vedat Muriqi will also be looking to break his 2023/24 duck – each of his last five goals have arrived after half-time.
Hot stat: Each of Celta’s four LL matches this season have seen a goal scored beyond the 70th minute.