Game Overview
Celta Vigo hosts Valencia in a La Liga clash at the Abanca Balaidos on August 23, 2024. Both teams are coming off contrasting results, with Celta securing a 2-1 victory over Deportivo Alavés, while Valencia suffered a 2-1 defeat to Barcelona.
Team Form and Recent Performance
Celta Vigo:
- Recent Form: Celta has won 5 of their last 10 matches, with 3 losses and 2 draws. They’ve shown attacking potential, averaging 1.6 goals per game, largely driven by Iago Aspas, who remains their key player.
- Last Match: A 2-1 win against Deportivo Alavés, where they controlled the game with 64% possession and four shots on target. Goals came from Williot Swedberg and Iago Aspas.
Valencia:
- Recent Form: Valencia has struggled, with only 2 wins in their last 10 matches, accompanied by 6 losses and 2 draws. They have been defensively vulnerable, conceding an average of 1.5 goals per game.
- Last Match: Valencia faced a tough 2-1 defeat at home to Barcelona, where they managed just 36% possession and two shots on target, with Hugo Duro scoring their only goal.
Head-to-Head Record
- Recent Encounters: In their last 10 meetings, Valencia has dominated with 6 wins, while Celta has won only twice, and two games ended in a draw. The last match at Abanca Balaidos ended in a 2-2 draw, indicating closely contested fixtures.
- Overall Stats: Valencia has been the stronger side historically, but Celta Vigo has been unbeaten in their last three home matches against Valencia.
Key Players
- Celta Vigo: Iago Aspas remains the focal point of their attack, with 5 goals in the last 10 matches. He’s supported by Williot Swedberg and Anastasios Douvikas, who have chipped in with goals and assists.
- Valencia: Hugo Duro is Valencia’s key attacking player, having scored 2 goals recently. However, their defense has been shaky, with captain José Gayà and Mouctar Diakhaby out due to injuries.
Tactical Analysis
Celta Vigo is likely to line up in a 4-4-2 formation, with a focus on maintaining possession and utilizing their midfield strength. Their defense, however, has been vulnerable, conceding in their last six games. Valencia might also opt for a 4-4-2 setup, but their recent performances suggest they might struggle to keep Celta at bay, particularly without key defensive players.
Market Analysis (Odds)
- Odds: Celta Vigo is slightly favored at 2.05 (21/20), reflecting their better form and home advantage. Valencia is priced at 3.60 (5/2), making them the underdogs. The draw is at 3.40 (23/10).
- BTTS (Both Teams to Score): The odds favor both teams finding the net, with recent form suggesting goals from both sides. The BTTS market is priced close, reflecting the attacking capabilities and defensive vulnerabilities of both teams.
Prediction
Given Celta Vigo’s recent form, home advantage, and Valencia’s defensive issues, Celta Vigo is likely to edge this encounter. A 2-1 victory for Celta Vigo seems a plausible outcome, with both teams expected to score.
Conclusion
Celta Vigo is the favored side heading into this match, with a strong chance of securing a win against a struggling Valencia. With Iago Aspas leading the line, Celta looks set to capitalize on Valencia’s defensive frailties.