Barcelona vs Celta Vigo prediction 23.09.2023

• Competition: La Liga
• Date: Saturday, 23rd September 2023
• Kickoff: 17:30 UTC +1 / 18:30 CEST
• Venue: Estadio Olímpico (Barcelona)

Barcelona had an interesting last season where they simply dominated La Liga and won its 27th league trophy. Still, on the other hand, in Europe, they had an abysmal season by their standards, failing to reach the Champions League knockout phase and then being eliminated from the Europa League by Manchester United in the 1/16 finals. The club has massive financial struggles, but they are succeeding in keeping a strong squad through their academy, free transfers, and loan deals. The goal for them this season remains the same - to win it all.

Celta Vigo's results are on the decline since finishing 8th and almost reaching Europe in the 2020/21 season. Last season, even though they finished 13th, they were super close to being relegated. They finished just three points above the relegation zone, so even though on paper, 13th-place looks fine, it was far from it. The 2023/24 season started pretty poorly for Celta Vigo, winning four points in five matches. 

Barcelona vs Celta Vigo pick: Barcelona to win and cover the -1.5 AH

After a poor start (result-wise) against Getafe 0:0, Barcelona is looking better and better as the season progresses. In the last two games vs Betis and Anwerp in the Champions League, Barcelona looked incredible, winning 5:0 both times. At home, even though they are not playing at Camp Nou, Barcelona were great, winning all three games by at least two goals difference and without conceding a goal.

Celta Vigo, objectively, continued with poor performances from the end of the last season. Their only win in five matches was against Almeria, which are at the bottom of the league table at this moment. But even in that match, they were not great, as Almeria had 63% ball possession and much better xG stats. 

Celta Vigo have big problems offensively this season and failed to score in three of five matches. One of the problems might be the departure of young midfielder Gabri Veiga, who was very important for their offense, having scored 11 and assisted on four goals last season. 

The difference in form is simply too big, and we think Barcelona should win another game by a couple of goals difference and possibly without allowing a goal.