Celta Vigo are looking for their second win of the season when they host Alaves in the La Liga. After losing their first three away games, the hosts head to Galicia hoping to earn their first away points of the year.
Preview (Celta Vigo vs. Alaves)
The goal of hiring Rafael Benitez over the summer was to oversee a turnaround for Celta Vigo. They narrowly avoided relegation last season. Unfortunately, Benitez and Celta’s 2023–24 season hasn’t gotten off to a great start. They have just one win, one tie, and four losses in their first six games. Jorgen Strand Larsen and Anastasios Douvikas scored in Saturday’s away trip to Barcelona. They appeared to be headed for a much-needed boost. However, a dramatic comeback in the final 10 minutes saw the champions completely turn the game around.
After Joao Cancelo, on loan from Manchester City, scored the game-winning goal in the 89th minute to send Celta to a second consecutive loss and drop them into the relegation zone ahead of Thursday’s home match against Alaves, Robert Lewandowski tied the score for Barcelona with a brace. Celta may not find the solace they require upon returning to Balaidos after losing all three of their first home games without scoring, making them the only La Liga team without a point at home this season.
They won both of those games at home. The first defeating Sevilla in a seven-goal thriller before narrowly defeating Valencia earlier this month. After defeating Los Che 1-0, Luis Garcia’s team has struggled to build on that success. They lost 2-0 to Rayo Vallecano and Athletic Club in their most recent two games. Alaves will now travel, where they have lost their past nine La Liga away games. They are winless in 18 away games in the top division (D3, L15) since defeating Cadiz 2-0 in October 2021. Alaves will be trying to improve their recent head-to-head record against Celta Vigo as well as their poor away form. They have lost their last six meetings with Celta Vigo since winning 2-0 at home.
Team News
Franco Cervi, who has been sidelined for Celta Vigo’s last three games due to a muscular issue, is still unavailable to Benitez. Benitez is probably going to start with the same starting lineup that began Saturday’s loss, despite Barcelona blowing a two-goal lead over his team. Douvikas anticipated playing a part in the game at some stage after scoring his first goal for Celta Vigo off the bench at the weekend. Giuliano Simeone, an Atletico Madrid loanee, is still out for the visitors, and Antonio Blanco is questionable after sitting out the loss to Athletic Club.
If Duarte is unable to play, Javi Lopez will go to the left side of the defense. In the game on Thursday, a squad that has struggled at home will face a team that has lost its previous nine La Liga away games. Although both teams may have low chances of winning, recent results indicate that Celta Vigo may have an advantage because they have beaten Alaves five times in a row. For this reason, we believe the home team will manage to eke out a victory and secure three points.
Celta Vigo 2 – 1 Alaves
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