In an eagerly awaited La Liga encounter, Celta Vigo will host Mallorca on Sunday evening. Both teams are aiming to improve their standings in the competitive Spanish football league. This clash promises to be crucial as Celta seeks to solidify its place for European competition next season, while Mallorca fights to escape the relegation zone.
Celta Vigo’s Current Position and Performance
Celta Vigo currently sits in seventh place in La Liga, just one point short of sixth-placed Espanyol. However, their recent form has been inconsistent. They have garnered only two points from their last four league matches.
- Last La Liga win: January 18
- Current La Liga record: 6 losses, 10 draws, and 7 wins
- Points tally this season: 28 points
Despite having a solid overall season, Celta Vigo’s home performance has been a concern. They possess the third-worst home record, with only 14 points from 12 matches. Their strength has been showcased through an impressive away record, where they currently boast the third-best performance.
Recent Results and League Standings for Mallorca
Conversely, Mallorca finds itself in a precarious position at 18th in the league. They recently suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Real Betis and lost 3-0 against Barcelona prior to that. They have managed six wins, six draws, and 12 losses from their 24 matches this season, accumulating only 24 points.
- Position in the league: 18th
- Recent matches: 1 win in last 6 outings
- Goals conceded: 39, one of the worst defensive records in the league
Head-to-Head Encounters
This season, Celta Vigo and Mallorca faced off earlier, ending in a 1-1 draw. However, Celta won the earlier 2022-2023 clash in Vigo with a 2-0 scoreline, highlighting their capability to perform better at home despite current struggles.
Team News and Expected Lineups
Celta Vigo enters the match with several injuries. Alvaro Nunez is ruled out, and Hugo Sotelo remains a doubt. The head coach, Claudio Giraldez, is also expected to make some changes from their week’s Europa League lineup.
Celta Vigo Potential Lineup
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Radu |
| Defender | Alonso |
| Midfielder | Rueda |
| Forward | Aspas |
For Mallorca, Takuma Asano and Jan Salas are unavailable due to injury, and Marash Kumbulla’s participation remains uncertain. Sergi Darder is expected to play a key role in the midfield, given his recent form, while Vedat Muriqi continues to lead the attack with 16 league goals this season.
Expected Lineup for Mallorca
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Roman |
| Defender | Maffeo |
| Midfielder | Darder |
| Forward | Muriqi |
Match Prediction
As both teams approach this match, Celta Vigo’s home advantage may play a crucial role. However, considering both teams’ recent performances, a draw seems a probable outcome, potentially ending in a 2-2 stalemate.
