It's been an auspicious week for FC Barcelona. Long may it continue. After demolishing Real Betis 5-0 last weekend, they followed it up with a replica against Royal Antwerp in their first champions league game. It was once again a super showing from La Blaugrana, who have now scored 10 goals in 2 games without conceding. The Joãos have transformed this team into a different animal since their incorporation. Xavi is finally having all the right pieces for his system and he'll plan to unleash them again as Celta come to town for Barcelona's 3rd home game in a row.
Celta Vigo have caused Barcelona some problems recently, the 2-1 win at Balaidos at the tail end of last season being the freshest. They haven't started this season on a great note, however. They have managed just a win and a draw in 5 games so far and currently seat at 16th, losing their last game 1-0 to Mallorca. They have a very decent coach in Rafa Benitez, who may need a bit of time to get his ideas across to the squad, so the results should start rolling in soon. It'll take pure magic for that to start at the Montjuic though.
INTERESTING STATS
- Barcelona have won 19 out of the last 42 matches played between the two teams, as opposed to Celta Vigo's 11 victories.
- Barcelona have won 10 of their last 13 matches at home against Celta Vigo in La Liga and have scored a total of 35 goals against the Galicians in these matches.
-Celta Vigo have won six of their last 20 matches against Barcelona over the past decade - only Real Madrid have defeated the Blaugrana on more occasions during this period.
-Barcelona have failed to find the back of the net in only one of their last 54 matches at home against Celta Vigo in La Liga, with their only such result coming in a 1-0 defeat in 2014.
- The Catalan giants have won each of their last five games in all competitions
- Celta Vigo have been present in each of the last 12 La Liga campaigns. They have finished in the top half four times.
Last 5 meetings (all in La Liga)
04/06/23 Celta Vigo 2-1 Barça
09/10/22 Barça 1-0 Celta
10/05/22 Barça 3-1 Celta
06/11/21 Celta 3-3 Barça
16/05/21 Barça 1-2 Celta
TEAM NEWS
Barcelona
Good news for the Blaugrana. Captain Ronald Araujo is has been discharged from the infirmary and is back in the squad! That provides even more selection headache for Xavi. Pedri remains the only one out.
Ter Stegen will continue in goal for sure. With Araujo only just returning, he may start from the bench, but Iñigo Martinez should be ready for a full start. This means Andreas Christensen gets some rest and Koundé gets a new partner. Alejandro Balde will be looking to celebrate his contract renewal with a sublime performance at LB. João Cancelo should continue his fine form at RB.
Oriol Romeu came from the bench against Royal Antwerp, so he's expected to start alongside Gündoğan and DeJong against Celta. Gavi deserves a bit of rest and this may be the game for it. Fermin Lopez will be available for selection after serving his suspension last weekend.
João Felix, the man in form, may also start this one, but Xavi could be inclind to rest him and start Ferran Torres in that position. Lamine Yamal may also come in for Raphinha, while Lewandowski stays put.
Celta Vigo
Franco Cervi is the only player unavailable to Rafa Benitez due to injury. Everyone is available for this game.
Ivan Villar will be in goal. The back three will consist of Unai Nunez, Carl Starfelt and Carlos Domínguez.
Oscar Mingueza and Mihailo Ristic will start out wide as the wing-backs. Fran Beltran and Lucas de la Torre will be the two central midfielders. In attack, Tasos Douvikas and Jonathan Bamba will star on the flanks and support Iago Aspas.
When does Barcelona vs Celta Vigo kick-off?
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Stadium: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys
Date: Saturday 23 September
Kick-off Time: 17:30 BST / 12:30 ET / 09:30 PT
Referee: Mario Malero Lopez
VAR: Alejandro J. Hernandez
Celta Vigo are rearing to get their season started, so they'll be brave in this game, but Barcelona simply look too sublime to be stopped at this moment.