Match Overview

The La Liga Matchday 3 fixture between Celta and Villarreal is set for August 31st, taking place at the Balaídos stadium in Vigo.

Celta’s Current Form

Recent Performance and League Position

The Galician side has already played three league matches this season but is still searching for their first victory. Claudio Giráldez’s squad initially suffered a 0-2 home defeat against Getafe. This was followed by two consecutive 1-1 draws: away at Mallorca and at home against Betis. As a result, Celta currently occupies the 13th spot in the league table.

Celta Key Statistics

• Exactly two or three goals have been scored in the club’s last five championship matches.
• Both teams have scored in 6 of Celta’s last 8 La Liga matches.
• At home, the Galicians are winless in three consecutive Primera División games (1 draw and 2 losses).

Celta Predicted Lineup (4-4-2)*

Andrei Radu – Yoel Lago, Óscar Mingueza, Javi Rodríguez, Mihailo Ristić – Williot Swedberg, Ilaix Moriba, Hugo Sotelo, Hugo Álvarez – Borja Iglesias, Pablo Durán.

Villarreal’s Strong Start

Impressive Form and League Dominance

Marcelino García Toral’s side has made the most of a favorable fixture list, securing two consecutive home games against weaker opponents. In their opening match, the Valencians hosted Oviedo and clinched a 2-0 victory, followed by a dominant 5-0 thrashing of Girona. This stellar start has propelled the team to 1st place in the league, ahead of four other teams who also remain undefeated, thanks to a superior goal difference. Notably, Villarreal’s winning streak in La Liga now extends to eight consecutive matches.

Villarreal Key Statistics

• The Valencians have suffered only 1 defeat in their last 13 championship matches (10 wins and 2 draws).
• At least 3 goals were scored in 8 of Villarreal’s last 11 La Liga games.
• The team has won 6 of their last 8 away matches in La Liga.

Villarreal Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)*

Luiz Júnior – Rafa Marín, Sergi Cardona, Santiago Mouriño, Juan Foyth – Yeremy Pino, Santi Comesaña, Pape Gueye – Karl Toko Ekambi, Nicolas Pépé, Tajon Buchanan.

Match Prediction: Celta vs Villarreal

Analysis of Team Momentum

Villarreal is in incredible form, having won their last eight league matches and rightfully sitting among the early leaders of the season. It is highly probable that the visitors will collect points in this fixture as well, but a straightforward victory for Villarreal is not my primary recommendation. Celta, after all, finds themselves in a precarious position, needing to push for a win, having only accumulated two points from three games. A defeat could see them drop into the relegation zone.

Optimal Betting Strategy

The optimal betting option, in my opinion, is “Both Teams to Score – Yes”. The Valencians boast an eight-match scoring streak in La Liga, while Celta has found the net in 9 of their last 10 league outings. Furthermore, Celta typically performs well at home and has scored in 15 of their last 17 La Liga matches at Balaídos. It’s also worth noting that both teams have scored in 5 of their last 6 head-to-head encounters in the Primera División.

Final Verdict and Recommended Bet

My prediction – “Both Teams to Score – Yes” with odds of 1.60

Author: Олександр Олексенко

Important Note on Lineups

* The starting lineup listed for each team represents their squad from their previous match in this tournament.