By Karl Matchett
Celta languish in eleventh, three factors fewer on the board than the underlying numbers counsel they need to have – solely Getafe, with a whopping ten fewer, have fared worse in that regard. However Barcelona aren’t simply robust opponents this time period, they’re a kind of who Celta wrestle with continuously. They’ve gained simply twice in 9 makes an attempt within the post-pandemic period, or as soon as within the post-Messi period. One was courtesy of a last-minute winner after a Barcelona pink card, highlighting the infrequency with which factors are accrued on this conflict. Can they hope to alter that this time?
Barca trying to recover from their most up-to-date blip
It was seven straight wins in all competitions for Hansi Flick’s Barcelona earlier than the worldwide break – till they went to Actual Sociedad and misplaced. Loads of possession however zero penetration was a shock turnaround for the desk toppers, who’ve been largely glorious within the closing third however supplied little to bother Álex Remiro in La Actual’s aim. An enchancment on that’s wanted, however can be normally current, and all groups in rebuild mode have off-days. Exterior of the odd shocker, they’ve been a well-oiled machine this time period. Celta’s personal type is one thing of a mirror: one win in six to virtually the top of October, however unbeaten in three since then together with a draw at Betis final time. It’s additionally price noting solely Atlético and Actual Madrid have gained at Balaidos this time period.
Clear invoice of well being for Celta, not a lot for Barca
Celta are, impressively, clear. It’s a full squad to select from for Claudio Giráldez, which can simply imply an unchanged lineup from the win over Getafe. For Barcelona, there stay a bunch of absentees for the lengthy haul, together with Marc-André ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, Ansu Fati and Marc Bernal. As well as, Ferran Torres stays a doubt, Lamine Yamal may miss out with ankle hassle and Ronald Araújo shall be eased again in after one other hamstring harm.
Key gamers
Celta shall be centered on attempting to tighten up defensively, maybe impressed by La Actual shutting Barcelona out previous to the break. For Barcelona, that subsequently means Raphinha – a massively improved and inventive power for them this time period – shall be key to discovering a option to break them down. An xG per 90 of 0.58, 14 large possibilities created in league play, 13 objectives or assists to date this time period and even the Barcelona captaincy on events exhibits simply how a lot he’s thriving beneath Flick. Wherever he has performed in that attacking provide line behind high scorer Robert Lewandowski, the Brazilian is discovering a option to shine. Even in a low-key outing within the defeat to Sociedad, no Barcelona attacker had extra touches within the field, created possibilities or accomplished dribbles than Raphinha.
Prediction
Barcelona may fairly be seen as being on the cusp of getting even stronger, with a couple of essential returns from harm of late. One other three factors for Flick’s facet – 2-1 to Barca.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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