Celta Vigo host Athletic Club this Saturday at Balaídos in a crucial match for both teams after their difficult starts to the season. The game, refereed by Busquets Ferrer, will kick off at 21:30 with David Gálvez as the VAR official.
Visiting manager Edin Terzic has made seven changes to his starting lineup compared to the match against Barcelona. Only Unai Simón, Aymeric Laporte, Oihan Sancet, and Iñaki Williams retain their places. Athletic's eleven is completed by Areso, Paredes, Yuri Berchiche, Mikel Galarreta, Ander Gere, Nico Serrano, and Álex Berenguer. On the Bilbao bench await players like Nico Williams, Guruzeta, and Sergio Canales.
What is Celta Vigo's current form?
Celta Vigo, managed by Claudio Giráldez, approach the duel having taken just one point from their first three matchdays, placing them 18th in the standings. The sky-blue team has conceded four goals and scored only one, with a record of zero wins, one draw, and two losses. This start leaves them eight points behind the leaders, Real Madrid.
For this clash, Giráldez trusts goalkeeper Radu. The defense will be formed by Javi Rodríguez, Carl Starfelt, and Pape Faye, with Álvaro Nuñez and Carreira as wing-backs. The midfield will be occupied by Febas and Ilaix Moriba, while the attack relies on Hugo González, Ferran Jutglà, and Williot Swedberg. On the Celta bench are options like Iago Aspas, Javi Galán, and goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
What is the context surrounding the match?
Both teams urgently need a win. Athletic arrive after two consecutive defeats against Sevilla and Barcelona. Celta, for their part, come from a loss at Balaídos to Osasuna after having managed a goalless draw in their visit to Mestalla. The need for a reaction is palpable in both dressing rooms.
A relevant piece of news for Celta is the absence of striker Borja Iglesias, who is currently sidelined with an injury. His absence reduces the offensive power of a team struggling to find the net. Fans can check the squad's status on our injuries page.
What is expected from Giráldez's strategy?
The lineup proposed by Claudio Giráldez suggests a solid approach with width, with Nuñez and Carreira providing breadth. The presence of Moriba and Febas aims to control the midfield against an Athletic side that has also renewed its engine room. The offensive key may lie in the ability of Jutglà and Williot to make a difference.
Celta must urgently improve their defensive and offensive numbers, which can be reviewed in our stats section. With just one point in the bag, the pressure to get a good result at home is immense. The team needs to demonstrate solidity and accuracy to change the negative dynamic.
What comes next for Celta Vigo?
Regardless of Saturday's result, the calendar offers no respite for Celta Vigo. Their next La Liga commitment is a complicated visit to Real Sociedad on Thursday, September 3rd. The Donostiarra side currently occupies 14th position. This match is part of an initial sequence from which the team wants to escape as soon as possible.
Supporters can follow the evolution of the standings on our league table page. Celta's immediate objective is to escape the relegation places and start building a season that, for now, is full of challenges. Every point at Balaídos will be fundamental to achieving that.
