Celta Vigo vs Barcelona Preview: Where to Watch, Live Stream, Kick Off Time & Team News

Team News

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?Barcelona make the journey will an almost fully-fit squad, missing only Rafinha due to a long term circulate ligament injury. Ivan Rakiti? and Sergio Busquets are both suspended, meaning youngsters Carlos Aleñá and Riqui Puig could start in midfield. 

Celta are without injured left back David Juncà who is out with a hamstring problem, while Turkish winger Emre Mor is sidelined due to a sprained ankle. 

Iago Aspas suffered a shoulder injury during last week’s draw with Leganés, though Celta hope their inspirational forward will be fit for Saturday’s game.

Predicted Lineups

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Head to Head Record

Balaídos has proved a difficult trip for Barca in recent seasons, the Catalans failing to win any of their previous three league visits. Celta managed two wins from those three games, the other ending in a 2-2 draw.

Barça did, however, earn a comfortable 2-0 home victory over Celta earlier in the season courtesy of goals from Ousmane Dembélé and ?Lionel Messi. Valverde will no doubt be confident going into the match, being unbeaten in his 16 managerial league games against the Galicians.

Recent Form

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Barcelona have made short work of their title rivals this season, currently sitting nine points ahead of second-placed Atlético Madrid. The Catalans have won their last four league games, and are unbeaten in their 14 away matches in La Liga. 

Celta sit 15th in the table, having endured a fairly miserable campaign. Recent results have been more positive though, with three consecutive home wins – their best home streak for over two years – easing their relegation fears. Fran Escribá’s side have picked up 12 points from the last seven ?La Liga matches, losing just once in the process.

Here’s how each team has performed in their last five fixtures:

Prediction

It all comes down to who Valverde chooses to rest ahead of Barcelona’s midweek trip to Anfield. The manager made ten changes against Huesca before the Champions League match against ?Manchester United, and the bottom-placed La Liga side managed a 0-0 draw. With nothing left to play for domestically, Valverde will surely ring the changes again.

With the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez likely to sit this one out, Celta have a real chance of taking at least a point.

Prediction: Celta Vigo 1-1 Barcelona