| Match Details |
Information |
| Competition | La Liga – (Spain) |
| Round | 18 |
| Date & Time |
2026-01-03, 14:00 – (Include timezone BST/GMT). |
| Stadium | Estadio de Balaídos |
Prediction – Celta de Vigo 1
– 1 Valencia
– 1 Valencia
Recent
Form
Form
As Celta de Vigo prepares to host Valencia at Estadio de
Balaídos, the momentum for both teams appears to be contrasting based on
their recent performances. Celta de Vigo’s last five league matches have been
a mixed bag, culminating in one victory, one draw, and three losses. Notably,
their sole victory came at home against Athletic Club with a solid 2-0
scoreline, demonstrating their capability to leverage home advantage.
However, they have struggled on the road and against other opponents,
evidenced by defeats to Real Madrid, Espanyol, and Deportivo Alavés without
scoring a single goal in those matches. This inconsistency highlights
potential vulnerabilities, particularly in their offensive play and away
form.
In contrast, Valencia seems to have built a more positive momentum,
remaining unbeaten in their last five league outings. They secured a notable
away victory against Atlético Madrid, which suggests a resilient squad
capable of performing under pressure. Additionally, their ability to secure
draws against teams like Mallorca and Sevilla, while also clinching a narrow
win against Levante, indicates a degree of stability and tenacity. Valencia’s
consistent ability to score in each match, albeit often just once, suggests
they have a reliable attacking threat.
Given the recent form, Valencia may enter the match with a psychological
edge, having proven their mettle against tougher opponents and maintaining an
unbeaten streak. However, Celta de Vigo’s home performance against Athletic
Club could serve as a reminder of their potential to challenge Valencia,
especially when playing at Balaídos.
Celta de Vigo Last 5
League Matches
| Teams | Result | Red Cards |
Yellow Cards |
Corners | Free Kicks |
Possession | Assists |
| Real Oviedo Vs Celta de Vigo |
0-0 | 0 – 0 |
2 – 1 | 4 – 3 |
7 – 14 | 56% – 44% |
0 – 0 |
| Celta de Vigo Vs Athletic Club |
2-0 | 0 – 0 |
3 – 2 | 1 – 4 |
13 – 10 | 50% – 50% |
1 – 0 |
| Real Madrid Vs Celta de Vigo |
2-0 | 3 – 0 |
6 – 1 | 8 – 1 |
12 – 6 | 58% – 42% |
0 – 2 |
| Celta de Vigo Vs Espanyol |
0-1 | 0 – 0 |
1 – 2 | 4 – 3 |
15 – 12 | 61% – 39% |
0 – 1 |
| Deportivo Alavés Vs Celta de Vigo |
1-0 | 0 – 0 |
2 – 2 | 4 – 2 |
15 – 20 | 52% – 48% |
0 – 0 |
Celta de Vigo’s recent
performances in La Liga have been a mixed bag, highlighting both resilience
and areas in need of improvement. Over their last five league fixtures, Celta
has managed to secure one victory, a draw, and suffered three defeats. Their
most notable performance came against Athletic Club, where they clinched a
2-0 victory at home. This match showcased their ability to capitalize on key
moments, as they efficiently converted chances despite having fewer corners
and an equal share of possession. The win was a testament to their discipline
and capacity to execute a solid game plan, with an assist reflecting
effective teamwork in the final third.
However, Celta’s struggles are evident in their inability to consistently
find the back of the net, as seen in matches against Real Madrid, Espanyol,
and Deportivo Alavés, where they failed to score. The match against Real Madrid
particularly highlighted their defensive vulnerabilities and inability to
maintain possession, as they were dominated in terms of both shots and ball
control. Despite Real Madrid’s three red cards, Celta couldn’t exploit the
numerical advantage, indicating a potential lack of creativity and killer
instinct up front.
The injury to Borja Iglesias, a key attacking presence, further exacerbates
these offensive challenges. With Iglesias sidelined due to a back injury, the
pressure mounts on attackers like Ferran Jutglà and Bryan Zaragoza to step
up. The predicted lineup suggests a balanced formation, with an emphasis on
solidifying the midfield through players like Fran Beltrán and Miguel Román,
who are tasked with anchoring the team’s transitional play.
Celta’s defensive lineup, featuring Carl Starfelt, Manu Fernández, and
Marcos Alonso, will need to be vigilant, given their recent lapses in
concentration. The team’s approach in their upcoming match is likely to focus
on maintaining a tight defensive structure while seeking to exploit
counter-attacking opportunities. The presence of young talent such as Williot
Swedberg offers a dynamic edge that could prove crucial in breaking down
opposing defenses. Ultimately, Celta de Vigo’s recent form suggests they will
be aiming to reinforce their defensive solidity and improve their efficiency
in front of goal to navigate the challenges of their upcoming
fixtures.
Valencia
Last 5 League Matches
| Teams | Result | Red Cards |
Yellow Cards |
Corners | Free Kicks |
Possession | Assists |
| Valencia Vs Mallorca |
1-1 | 0 – 0 |
2 – 3 | 12 – 3 |
12 – 10 | 71% – 29% | 1 – 1 |
| Atlético Madrid Vs Valencia |
1-2 | 0 – 0 |
3 – 1 | 5 – 7 |
11 – 13 | 46% – 54% |
1 – 1 |
| Valencia Vs Sevilla |
1-1 | 0 – 0 |
3 – 6 | 2 – 2 |
18 – 12 | 48% – 52% |
1 – 0 |
| Rayo Vallecano Vs Valencia |
1-1 | 0 – 0 |
1 – 1 | 10 – 5 |
9 – 11 | 56% – 44% |
1 – 0 |
| Valencia Vs Levante |
1-0 | 0 – 0 |
4 – 4 | 7 – 0 |
15 – 16 | 59% – 41% |
1 – 0 |
Valencia’s recent form in
La Liga showcases a team that is resilient and competitive, yet struggling to
convert draws into wins consistently. Over their last five league matches,
they have registered one win and four draws, indicating a solid defensive
setup but a lack of cutting edge in front of goal. Notably, their ability to
maintain possession is evident in their games against Mallorca and Atlético
Madrid, where they dominated the ball with 71% and 54% possession,
respectively. This control, however, has not always translated into decisive
victories, as seen in their draws against Mallorca, Sevilla, and Rayo
Vallecano.
Defensively, Valencia has been disciplined, avoiding red cards in all five
matches and keeping their yellow card count relatively low. Their backline,
likely consisting of José Copete, César Tárrega, Thierry Correia, and José
Gayà, has been integral in maintaining structure and resilience. The team’s ability
to win set-pieces, demonstrated by their superior corner count against
Mallorca and Levante, suggests a potential area of strength they might
exploit against opponents. However, the absence of goalkeeper Stole
Dimitrievski due to injury could be a vulnerability, making the performance
of Julen Agirrezabala crucial in goal.
The midfield trio of André Almeida, Luis Rioja, and Pepelu is pivotal to
Valencia’s strategy, offering both creativity and defensive cover. Their
ability to control the tempo and transition the ball effectively will be
vital in supporting attackers Hugo Duro and Lucas Beltrán, who must be more
clinical in front of goal. With only a single goal in four of their last five
matches, the attacking duo needs to capitalize on chances more efficiently to
alleviate pressure on the defense and secure more positive results.
Overall, Valencia’s predicted lineup suggests a balanced side capable of
competing against strong opponents. The team’s recent performances highlight
their ability to compete with top sides, as seen in their victory over
Atlético Madrid. However, to climb the league standings, they must convert
their possession and defensive solidity into more goals. As they prepare to
face their next opponent, this focus on attacking efficiency, coupled with
maintaining their defensive discipline, will be critical to achieving a
favorable outcome.
Team News
& Injuries
& Injuries
Celta de Vigo Injuries
& Suspensions
- Borja Iglesias (Back
Injury)
Valencia Injuries
& Suspensions
- Stole Dimitrievski (Torn Muscle Fiber In
The Adductor Area)
Head-to-Head
(H2H) Record & Summary
(H2H) Record & Summary
H2H Last
5
| Teams | Result | Red Cards |
Yellow Cards |
Corners | Free Kicks |
Possession | Assists |
| Celta de Vigo Vs Valencia |
N/A | 0 – 0 |
1 – 2 | 5 – 2 |
17 – 9 | 46% – 54% |
2 – 1 |
| Celta de Vigo Vs Valencia |
N/A | 0 – 0 |
3 – 0 | 4 – 7 |
0 – 0 | 49% – 51% |
2 – 1 |
| Celta de Vigo Vs Valencia |
N/A | 0 – 0 |
0 – 0 | 2 – 2 |
0 – 0 | 54% – 46% |
1 – 0 |
| Celta de Vigo Vs Valencia |
N/A | 0 – 0 |
3 – 2 | 5 – 7 |
0 – 0 | 55% – 45% | 0 – 0 |
| Celta de Vigo Vs Valencia |
N/A | 0 – 1 |
3 – 4 | 5 – 4 |
0 – 0 | 64% – 36% |
1 – 2 |
H2H Detailed
Analysis
Celta de Vigo and Valencia have developed a
competitive rivalry, with their head-to-head encounters revealing intriguing
patterns. Historically, the matches have been closely contested, often
characterized by a balanced possession battle and a disciplined approach to
the game, with minimal red cards shown. Despite Celta de Vigo often enjoying
a slight edge in possession, as seen in several matches where they have
dominated with over 50% possession, Valencia has proven resilient,
capitalizing on their tactical play and chance creation. The data shows a
mixed record of yellow cards, indicating that both teams maintain a combative
yet controlled style of play. Celta’s marginal advantage in assists across
these fixtures suggests a slight edge in their ability to convert possession
into goal-scoring opportunities, a trend they will look to continue.
The upcoming fixture at Estadio de Balaídos promises to be another tactical
affair, influenced by the current squad dynamics. Celta de Vigo faces the
absence of Borja Iglesias due to a back injury, which could impact their
attacking options. However, the inclusion of players like Ferran Jutglà and
Bryan Zaragoza might compensate with their creative and attacking prowess. On
the other hand, Valencia will miss Stole Dimitrievski due to a torn muscle
fiber, potentially affecting their defensive stability. Nevertheless, their
predicted lineup maintains a core of experienced defenders like José Gayà and
Thierry Correia, who are likely to be pivotal in maintaining their defensive
shape. These injury constraints and lineup configurations could be crucial in
determining whether Celta can leverage their possession advantage and whether
Valencia can exploit any defensive lapses. As both teams look to assert
themselves in this La Liga clash, the historical patterns suggest a closely
fought match, with both sides having the capability to tip the balance in
their favor.
Predicted
Lineups
- Formation:
3-4-3 - Players: Ionuț Radu (Goalkeeper), Carl Starfelt
(Defender), Manu Fernández (Defender), Marcos Alonso (Defender), Sergio
Carreira (Midfielder), Fran Beltrán (Midfielder), Miguel Román (Midfielder),
Javi Rueda (Midfielder), Ferran Jutglà (Attacker), Bryan Zaragoza (Attacker),
Williot Swedberg (Attacker)
- Formation:
4-4-2 - Players: Julen Agirrezabala (Goalkeeper), José
Copete (Defender), César Tárrega (Defender), Thierry Correia (Defender), José
Gayà (Defender), André Almeida (Midfielder), Luis Rioja (Midfielder),
Pepelu (Midfielder), Filip Ugrinic (Midfielder), Hugo Duro (Attacker), Lucas
Beltrán (Attacker)