The task for Barcelona will be to maintain the pressure on the leaders when they travel to Celta Vigo for a Spanish La Liga clash. The hosts are looking to maintain their recent good form, while the Catalans will be counting on their superior record in this fixture.
Celta Vigo have been slightly underwhelming this season, with just two wins from 11 La Liga matches so far. They are currently in the bottom half of the table and will be keen to make a push for the top 10.
The good news for Celta Vigo is that they are showing signs of improvement lately, winning their last five matches in all competitions. Claudio Giraldez's men claimed a 2-1 victory at Levante last time out in La Liga and followed it up with a 3-0 victory at Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League.
Barcelona are five points behind Real Madrid and will be keen to avoid falling further behind in their title defence. Hansi Flick's men are unbeaten in four of their last five matches in all competitions and claimed a 3-1 home victory over Elche last time out in La Liga.
One problem for Barcelona is that they have stumbled on their recent travels and are winless in their last six away matches in all competitions. The Catalans were held to a 3-3 away draw at Club Brugge in a midweek Champions League clash.
How the bookies view it: Barcelona overwhelming favourites
Barcelona have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 11/20 by BOYLE Sports to win. A victory for Celta Vigo is valued at 16/5 while a draw is also offered at 16/5.
Head to head: Barcelona on top
Barcelona have a 19-7 advantage with eight draws in the last 34 matches against Celta Vigo. The Catalans claimed a 4-3 home victory in the last meeting back in April.
Players to watch: Yamal heating up
Lamine Yamal appears to be finding his rhythm in recent weeks, scoring in three of the last four matches. He will be the one to watch for Barcelona (Lamine Yamal anytime goalscorer – offered at 6/4 by BOYLE Sports).
Celta Vigo also have quality going forward and will look to Borja Iglesias to provide the cutting edge. The striker will be keen to add to his four La Liga goals this season (Borja Iglesias anytime goalscorer – valued at odds of 2/1).
Probable line-ups:
Celta Vigo are without Javier Rueda, Williot Swedberg and Ionut Radu, who are all sidelined with injury. Iglesias could return to the team after making a second-half appearance in midweek, while Scott McKenna is set to continue at the back.
Gavi, Pedri and Raphinha remain sidelined with injury for Barcelona. Lewandowski has returned but could continue from the bench as he works his way to full fitness, with Ferran Torres likely to feature in attack following his goal in Brugge.
Celta Vigo: Villar, Rodriguez, Starfelt, Dominguez, Ristic, Beltran, Roman, Aspas, Zaragoza, Duran, Iglesias.
Barcelona: Szczesny, Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde, de Jong, Casado, Olmo, Yamal, Rashford, Torres.
Anything else catch the eye?
Three of the last four matches between Celta Vigo and Barcelona have produced over 3.5 goals – priced at 21/20 with BOYLE Sports. Who are also offering 4/11 for over 2.5 goals. The Catalans have led at the break in two of the last three meetings (Barcelona halftime win – available at 11/10).
There have been more goals after the break in the last five meetings (Second half most goals – priced at 20/23). Barcelona are priced at minimal odds for a straight victory, so a win and over 2.5 goals could offer more value (Barcelona win & over 2.5 goals – set at odds of 21/20).
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