The hosts are heading into the match on the back of a 2-1 defeat to SS Braga in their final pre-season friendly of the summer on July 30, while Espanyol played out a goalless draw against Napoli last weekend.
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Celta vigo will host Espanyol in their opening match of the 2022-23 La Liga season at Balaidos on Saturday. The hosts are heading into the match on the back of a 2-1 defeat to SS Braga in their final pre-season friendly of the summer on July 30, while Espanyol played out a goalless draw against Napoli last weekend. Celta vigo finished 11th in the La Liga standings last term, while the visitors managed to secure a 14th-place finish and extend their stay at Spain’s top flight for one more season.
Non stop! ??
? #CeltaEspanyol pic.twitter.com/0chXDrypRB
— RC Celta (@RCCelta) August 11, 2022
Celta Vigo didn’t have a great pre-season, not registering a single victory in three friendlies this summer. The Sky blues began their pre-season with 1-1 draws against Pumas UNAM and San Jose Earthquakes before losing 2-1 to SC Braga. Eduardo Coudet’s side have been busy in the transfer market this summer, bringing in Williot Swedberg, Luca de la Torre, Carles Perez, Oscar Mingueza and Unai Nunez among others. Meanwhile there have been notable departures in the form of Brais Mendez, Nestor Araujo and Nolito.
Espanyol, on the other hand, had a mixed pre-season, recording two wins, two defeats and two draws in six friendlies. Diego Martinez’ side have been busy in the transfer market, adding the likes of Edu Exposito, Brian Olivan and Joselu among others to boost the squad for the new season. Meanwhile the likes of Oscar Melendo, David Lopez and Diego Lopez have departed the club. Catalan outfit won the 2020-21 Segunda division title to secure a return to the La Liga.
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Celta Vigo boss Eduardo Coudet is likely to opt for a 4-1-4-1 formation with Paciencia being the target-man up front. Iago Aspas is expected to provide the creative spark in the attacking department with Solari and De La Torre occupying the flanks. Tapia could sit in front of the back-four. As for Espanyol, Keidi Bare and Oscar Gil are expected to return from injuries. Joselu could lead the line with Sergi Darder playing in an advanced midfield area. Cabrera is expected to partner Calero in the heart of the defence.
Celta Vigo probable starting lineup: Villar; Mallo, Aidoo, Mingueza, Galan; Tapia, Solari, Cervi, De La Torre; Aspas, Paciencia
Espanyol probable starting lineup: Lecomte; Gill, Cabrera, Calero, Hilali; costa, Bare; Melamed, Dardar, Souza; Joselu
The La Liga match between Celta Vigo and Espanyol will take place at Balaidos on Saturday at 8:30 pm IST.
| Celta Vigo vs Espanyol | Key details |
| Date | August 13 |
| Venue | Balaidos |
| Kickoff time in Spain | 5:00 pm |
| Kickoff time in India | 8:30 pm |
The live coverage of the match is available on Sports18 network, Voot Select and MTV India.
