Barcelona vs Celta Vigo prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2023-09-22 16:30.
For the first time since March 2017, when they managed to do it in three straight matches, Barcelona struck 5+ goals in consecutive competitive appearances to thrash both Real Betis and Antwerp 5-0. The first of those victories helped them keep pace with fierce rivals Real Madrid and they ended matchday five two points adrift of the early La Liga (LL) pacesetters by maintaining an unbeaten start to their title defence (W4, D1).
It has manager Xavi boasting that the team is at its âhighest level since I became the coachâ in 2021, and perhaps then thereâs no better opposition than Celta Vigo to continue demonstrating the transformation they have made under the Spanish legend, particularly as it was away to Celta that they threw away a 3-0 lead the day before Xaviâs appointment! After winning seven of their last nine home H2Hs (D1, L1), Barça look good value to vindicate Xaviâs claim.
As manager Rafa BenĂtez gears up for his first managerial meeting with Xavi, his return to Spain hasnât gone to plan as Celta have just one win to their name, and that against slow-starting AlmerĂa (D1, L3). A 1-0 defeat to Mallorca last weekend left BenĂtez frustrated by a disallowed goal after just a fraction of the ball didnât cross the line.
That confirmed their worst three-game start to a LL home campaign (no points and no goals) in 100 years of history, so the Sky Blues may benefit from a little less pressure on the road, and they ought to remember the sole win in that otherwise bleak aforementioned H2H record which came as recently as May 2021. And BenĂtez can add to that with an impressive record away to Barcelona having lost none of his last four away H2Hs (W3, D1) while managing Liverpool and Valencia.
Players to watch: After getting the move he wanted to Barcelona, JoĂŁo FĂ©lix has opened the scoring in both of their last two games. Celta could use some of JĂžrgen Strand Larsenâs international form after recently netting once and assisting twice for Norway against Jordan.
Hot streak: One side has been leading âto nilâ at half-time in each of the last four H2Hs (Barcelona HT: W3, L1).