The La Liga season kicks off this weekend in Spain. On Saturday, Celta Vigo will host Espanyol in a match between two sides with desires of battling for a top six place. The reality is that both sides could fight relegation this term.
Celta Vigo finished 11th last term with 46 points from 38 on offer. They posted a record of 12W-10D-16L with 43 goals scored and 43 conceded.
🤔💭 en @LaLiga! ⏳💙 pic.twitter.com/IZ9xwcfoEj— Fran Beltrán (@franbeltran__) August 11, 2022
🤔💭 en @LaLiga! ⏳💙 pic.twitter.com/IZ9xwcfoEj
Espanyol finished the season 14th in the table. The Parakeets posted a record of 10W-12D-16L with 40 goals for and 53 conceded. Espanyol ended the 2021-22 season just four points ahead of the relegation zone. Celta Vigo were eight points above the bottom three in La Liga.
Draws have been on the menu over the last six matches between these two teams. Celta Vigo posted a record of 1W-4D-1L in the last six games in all competitions versus Espanyol. Celta Vigo outscored Espanyol 6-5 in those six matches.
Celta Vigo manager Eduardo Coudet has brought in a number of players this offseason. Seven players have been signed permanently as the Sky Blues experienced turnover with seven players leaving the club.
The Sky Blues signed Carles Perez from Roma and Unai Nunez from Athletic Bilbao. In addition, Williot Swedeberg signed from Hammarby to play midfield. Luca de la Torre signed from Heracles.
Meanwhile, Celta Vigo signed Goncalo Pacienca from Eintracht Frankfurt to add goals to the side. Celta Vigo have worked hard to sign new players to strengthen the squad.
Espanyol have also had a lot of turnover. Most notably, Espanyol have hired manager Diego Martinez for the new campaign.
Eight players have joined up with Espanyol including Joselu from Alaves, Matias Vargas, and Pol Lozano. Espanyol were able to hang onto Raul de Tomas this offseason, although the striker could be sold before the start of September.
De la Tomas scored 17 goals last season for Espanyol. He will be counted on to score goals for Espanyol this term.
The last time these teams played at Celta Vigo’s Estadio Balaidos, the Sky Blues won 3-1. Celta Vigo have been strengthened in the offseason and could fight for a top 10 place come the end of the campaign. A Europa Conference League qualification place could be on the cards.
Celta Vigo should post a win against Espanyol to start the season with a 2-0 win. Iago Aspas could get on the scoresheet. He scored 18 times in 37 games last season.