Espanyol vs Celta Vigo Predictions & Match Preview

Espanyol vs Celta Vigo predictions and match preview for Saturday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for analysis, team news and predicted lineups as two relatively evenly matched teams meet.

Espanyol vs Celta Vigo Preview

On Saturday Espanyol host Celta Vigo in the RCDE Stadium. With only thirteen games left to play in the league, it is as tight as it has ever been from the relegation places to the top ten with only six points separating them. Both teams like to go for it and this match could bring some surprises.

Espanyol are one of the teams who are hovering above the relegation places. After picking up a couple of wins in February, it looked like Los Periquitos had finally found some form as it has really been a stop start season for Diego Martínez’s side. That small run ended as they were beaten by Real Valladolid and in their last outing, despite taking a 1-0  lead from the penalty spot courtesy of their leading goal scorer Joselu against Real Madrid, that lead only lasted thirteen minutes and in the end they were soundly beaten 3-1.

This season Espanyol haven’t lost three consecutive games and Head Coach Diego Martínez will be hoping it stays that way. He knows it is important that his team starts to pick up points and as they aim to distance themselves from the relegation places.

Celta are coming into this match in decent form. They are unbeaten in their last four league matches and in their last outing Los Celestes beat Rayo Vallecano 3-0 with star man and captain Iago Aspas bagging a brace. His second goal was a delightful chip over keeper Stole Dimitrievski. It wasn’t all plain sailing for Celta as they did struggle in the first half but managed to get themselves going after the interval.

Coming into this one, Head Coach Carlos Carvalhal will know about Celta’s poor record when travelling to the RCDE Stadium. They haven’t managed a win here since 2016. They have also only picked up three draws since then. Celta have a point to prove and a fast start could really trouble Espanyol.

Team News & Possible Lineups

Espanyol

Possible XI: Pacheco – Olivan, Gomez, Montes, Gil – Souza, Darder – Braithwaite, Denis Suarez, Puado – Joselu (4-2-3-1)

Coach: Diego Martinez

Celta Vigo

Possible XI: Villar – Galan, Aidoo, Nunez, Mallo – Beltran – De la Torre, Veiga, Perez – Aspas, Larsen (4-1-3-2)

Coach: Carlos Carvalhal

Score Prediction: Espanyol 2-1 Celta Vigo

Both teams will have good spells in this game, and both can hurt each other. This result will be determined on what they do in the good spells. Espanyol have their fans who are with them till the final whistle and that could play its part like it has done already this season. A hard-fought home win for Diego Martínez’s team could be the outcome.

PLEASE NOTE – Our LaLiga predictions are not betting tips! No profits are guaranteed if you’re using them to bet on Spanish football. If you are gambling, do so responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose. BeGambleAware.