On April 20, 2024, Celta Vigo will host Las Palmas at the Abanca-Balaídos in a pivotal La Liga clash that could have significant implications for both teams. As Celta Vigo desperately fights to escape the relegation zone, Las Palmas looks to stabilize after a series of disappointing performances.
This match preview delves into the current form, team news, and key players from both squads, providing insights and predictions ahead of this intriguing encounter.
Current Form
Celta Vigo's Current Form
Celta Vigo find themselves struggling near the relegation zone, positioned 17th in La Liga, only three points clear of the drop as they prepare to host Las Palmas.
Their recent form includes a mix of results with a vital four points grabbed against Sevilla and Rayo Vallecano, but a recent setback occurred in a 2-1 defeat at Real Betis, underlining their inconsistency this season.
Las Palmas' Current Form
Las Palmas, in their first season back in the top flight, are in a considerably safer 12th place.
However, their form has dipped alarmingly with four consecutive defeats, including losses to heavyweights like Barcelona and Sevilla, and a worrying lack of goals during these games.
Team News
Celta Vigo Team News
Celta are facing a bit of a crisis with several key players sidelined. Renato Tapia, Mihailo Ristic, and Joseph Aidoo are out due to injuries, while Carlos Dotor and Lucas de la Torre remain doubtful.
Coach Claudio Giraldez might maintain the lineup that showed promise against Betis, barring last-minute changes due to fitness concerns.
Las Palmas Team News
For Las Palmas, Saul Coco is suspended following his red card against Sevilla, and Marvin Park will also miss out due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
Julian Araujo remains out with a hamstring issue, but goalkeeper Alvaro Valles returns from suspension.
Key Players
Celta Vigo's Key Players
Iago Aspas remains the talisman for Celta Vigo. His experience and ability to produce decisive moments will be crucial as Celta Vigo seeks to pull away from the relegation battle.
Las Palmas' Key Player
For Las Palmas, the return of Munir El Haddadi could provide a much-needed boost in attack, especially given the team's recent struggles in front of goal.
Scoreline Prediction
Celta Vigo and Las Palmas are expected to battle to a tightly contested draw. Both teams have had their issues, with Celta struggling at home and Las Palmas failing to impress on the road.
A low-scoring draw, possibly 1-1, seems a likely outcome, continuing the trend of closely fought encounters in their recent history.
FAQ
Who will likely score for Celta Vigo? Iago Aspas is always a prime candidate given his scoring record.
What is at stake for both teams? Celta Vigo is fighting relegation, while Las Palmas aims to consolidate their mid-table position.
When was the last meeting between these two teams? Las Palmas won 2-1 in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
What time does the match start? The match kicks off at 1:00 PM UK time on April 20, 2024.
