Celta Vigo and Nice will face off in a Europa League match on Thursday at Balaidos. Both teams are eager for a favorable outcome following contrasting starts to their respective seasons.
Celta Vigo vs Nice: Match Preview
Celta Vigo enters this clash aiming for their second consecutive Europa League victory. Their recent performance includes a 3-1 win against PAOK, which followed a narrow defeat to Stuttgart. However, in the La Liga campaign, Celta has struggled, failing to secure a win in their first nine matches, recording seven draws and two losses.
In their last La Liga game, Celta faced Real Sociedad and took an early lead. Unfortunately, a late equalizer by Carlos Soler resulted in yet another draw, leaving them without a league win this season.
Recent Form
- Celta Vigo Europa League: W (vs PAOK)
- Overall Form: D L L W D D
Nice, on the other hand, aims to turn their fortunes around after a rocky start. Despite qualifying for the Champions League through a strong domestic performance last season, they faced elimination by Benfica. This season, they have only won three out of twelve competitive matches, including two losses in the Europa League to Roma and Fenerbahce.
They did find a much-needed victory, defeating Lyon 3-2, which ended a five-match winless streak. This win lifted Nice to 10th place in the Ligue 1 standings.
Recent Form
- Nice Europa League: L L
- Overall Form: L L D L D W
Team News
Celta Vigo may be without forward Williot Swedberg due to an ankle injury sustained while on international duty. However, Mihailo Ristic is expected to return after recovering from a muscle injury. Coach Claudio Giraldez has the option to rotate his squad, potentially bringing in players like Carlos Dominguez and Iago Aspas.
On the Nice side, several players including Youssouf Ndayishimiye and Moise Bombito are unavailable due to injuries. Striker Terem Moffi will be sidelined for several weeks, while defender Ali Abdi returns after suspension.
Possible Lineups
| Celta Vigo | Nice |
|---|---|
| Radu | Diouf |
| Dominguez | Mendy |
| Starfelt | Dante |
| Alonso | Peprah |
| Rueda | Clauss |
| Rodriguez | Boudaoui |
| Moriba | Vanhoutte |
| Mingueza | Bard |
| Aspas | Boga |
| Duran | Diop |
| Iglesias | Cho |
Match Prediction
Given Nice’s recent form and Celta’s resilience at home, the match is expected to be closely contested. Both teams are in search of vital points, and a draw seems likely, with a prediction of 2-2. Fans can look forward to an exciting matchup as Celta Vigo hosts Nice in this important Europa League clash.
