Celta Vigo vs Barcelona prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2024-02-16 17:30.
Celta Vigo lost 3-2 to Getafe last weekend, failing to take advantage of Cádiz’s slip up in La Liga’s relegation battle which would have moved them further away from danger. As a result, the hosts still sit just three points above the drop zone ahead of this round, but after suffering four defeats across five games (W1), they could be losing any momentum which they built up during their unbeaten first four games of 2024 (W3, D1). With the two rounds following this game now acting as potential relegation six-pointers against teams currently in the bottom-three, Celta will be desperate to put in a morale-boosting performance here.
In essence, all it could take is a single inspirational moment for Celta, as three of their last four league games ended with a 1-0 scoreline. The home fans will be quietly confident of their chances too despite their opposition in this one, as they’ve remarkably avoided defeat in seven of the last eight top-flight matches against Barcelona at Estadio de BalaĂdos (W4, D3).
That said, Barcelona could post a first top-flight H2H double since 2013/14 having won the reverse fixture 3-2. Like their opponents, the Catalans failed to take advantage of Girona’s loss to Real Madrid last matchday, dropping points against relegation strugglers Granada (D 3-3) which could have been worse had it not been for a late Lamine Yamal strike. In fact, leaving things late is becoming a habit overall for Barça, as they mounted a comeback from 2-0 down in the reverse fixture with three goals beyond the 80th minute.
Being on the road could work to their advantage at least as Xavi’s side arrive on the back of three straight away league wins and remain unbeaten away from home this league season. That hasn't always worked to their advantage though, as the visitors have dropped points in half of their last eight away league games (D4), which could be another blow in their top-two push.
Players to watch: Jørgen Strand Larsen has scored Celta’s opener in four of his last five league scoring games, but Robert Lewandowski could have the last laugh here, as the Polish striker started Barcelona’s comeback in the reverse fixture with a brace, whilst two of his last three away league goals have been match-winners.
Hot stat: Six of Celta’s last nine home league games have featured a red card.