Best Odds: 8/15
Bookmaker:
Hoping to sign off their La Liga romp with another statement on the road, Barcelona will travel to Balaidos on Sunday night when they meet Celta Vigo.
Celta Vigo
Starting with the hosts, opening Sunday’s La Liga finale holding just a one-point buffer over slipping into the drop zone, Celta Vigo know that they have a huge amount of pressure on their shoulders this weekend. Knowing that potentially just three points could be enough to help them avoid an infamous top-flight relegation, Carlos Carvalhal s side are certainly limping their way over the finish line. Last seen putting in another nightmare display as they slumped to what could be a season-deciding 1-0 loss away at Cadiz, the one-time Sheffield Wednesday boss has come under plenty of scrutiny since returning from March’s international break. Only continuing to free-falling down the La Liga standings, Celta Vigo have now remarkably picked up just a single point from any of their last six top-flight appearances. With that run highlighted by a shocking 2-1 defeat at home against fellow strugglers Valencia on May 14th, Carvalhal s men have also mustered only one win from their last 11 attempts a run that stems all the way back to March 18th.
Team News
Dealing with a long-term Achilles tendon injury, Celta Vigo will once again be without goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin this weekend. Former Leganes shot-stopper Ivan Villar will once again start between the sticks on Sunday night.
Missing both of Celta’s last two La Liga appearances after sustaining a recent muscle injury, Fran Beltran is still a doubt here. However, despite being forced to settle for a spot on the bench last weekend, attacking talisman Iago Aspas should be handed a full recall at Balaidos.
Barcelona
As for the visitors, making a thumping return to winning ways last weekend as they breezed their way to a 3-0 romp at home against Mallorca, Barcelona have enjoyed a history-making domestic romp this season. Although the Spanish heavyweights might have endured another public European nightmare prior to the World Cup’s winter break, Xavi’s squad did ease their way to a first La Liga crown since 2019. Although Barca might have managed to muster just a single win from any of their last four domestic appearances away from the Nou Camp, there is no doubt that Sunday’s guests will be excited by an eye-catching record against the relegation scrappers. Picking up a 1-0 victory when they welcomed Celta Vigo to Catalonia for their reverse La Liga showdown on October 9th, it is worth highlighting that the newly-crowned Spanish champions have lost just one of their last seven meetings against the Sky Blues a run that stems back to May 2019.
Team News
Set to make his final Barcelona appearance on Sunday night, Sergio Busquets will start at the heart of Xavi’s midfield here. However, picking up a muscle injury and not featuring since returning from March’s international break Angel Alarcon will once again miss out at Balaidos.
Bagging a brace against Mallorca last weekend, 20-year-old Ansu Fati should keep his spot in Xavi’s attack. The Spanish international should partner attacking talisman Robert Lewandowski in the final third.
Key Factors to Consider
