We move into the last week and half of the season with peace of mind. Knowing that we are qualified for next seasons champions league. Thanks to a last minute win against Betis at the Benito Villamarin. Qualification is of course not only important on a sporting level, but economically it is a huge boost too. Now what we need to secure is our place in the Spanish super cup next season. We’re not celebrating or looking forward to finishing the season in second place. But when you consider how bad we were at the beginning and how much the club is still suffering economically. Second place would be a fantastic end to the season, and would give us a great platform to continue building from next season. The only way Barça do that is with a good result vs Celta Vigo. A team that always gives us problems. Especially with individual players stepping up every time they face us. It’s going to be a tough game. But we’ll be hoping the Camp Nou can pull us through.
A quick look at our opponents:
The last time we faced Celta was away at Balaidos. It was one of the last games before Xavi came in to the club. And you’ll remember that current b team coach, Sergi Barjuan, was taking charge for that game. Many bad things happened in that game, most notably the injury to Ansu Fati. But overall, it was an absolute capitulation from Barça. We led 3-0 going into the second half. Thanks to goals from Ansu, Memphis and Captain Busquets. But somehow, we just completely fell apart in the second half. Bottling the game to draw 3-3. Since then, Xavi has taken full control and completely revolutionised the team. We’ve been struggling a little recently, but the work Xavi and the team have done since has been nothing short of incredible. Celta currently find themselves in 11th place.
Comfortably set in the middle of the table, securing their future for next season in La Liga. Their recent result was a 4-0 win against Alves. Meaning they’ll be coming into the game with confidence. One man we need to keep any eye on is Celta’s Talisman, Iago Aspas. A player who seems to magically transform into Lionel Messi against us. Every single game, he causes us so many problems. If we’re going to have a good chance at winning tomorrow, then he is someone we’ll have to keep quiet.
Lineup prediction:
In terms of the lineup, we’re still pretty stretched for numbers. Especially in midfield where we’ll only have 3 first team players available. As a result of Pedri and Nico’s injuries and the suspension of Busquets after an accumulation of yellow cards. In defence, we’re still without Pique and Dest. And up in attack, we have no absentees. Ter stegen seems to have recovered from the injury that kept him out of the team against Betis. So he’ll most likely return to the starting lineup. Araujo and Garcia both had a fantastic game on the weekend, so they’ll remain. As did Dani Alves and Jordi Alba. When it comes to the attack, I think that there may be one or two changes. Ferran is looking tired and is lacking confidence, which is totally understandable. A rest would do him a lot of good. So maybe he could be rested tomorrow. Adama came on and had a good impact against Betis, so did Dembele. Who is always able to make things happen. Aubameyang had a quiet game, but I feel he’ll probably start tomorrow. Ansu came on and scored within a minute of being on the pitch. He’s such an important player for our team. But the club and Xavi rightfully don’t want to take any risks. He’ll definitely come on tomorrow for the final 15-20 minutes. But he won’t start.
It’s another important game and another test for Xavi’s side. Let’s hope for a positive result and an even more impressive performance. Visca BARÇA!
Prediction:
Ter stegen
Dani Alves- Araujo- Eric- Alba
Gavi- Frenkie- Riqui
Adama- Aubameyang- Dembele
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