Villarreal vs. Celta Vigo: La Liga Clash Preview
Two teams boasting impressive opening wins collide at Estadio de la Ceramica on Monday night, as Villarreal face Celta Vigo in a highly-anticipated La Liga encounter.
Villarreal, fresh off a 2-1 triumph over Sevilla, aim to build on their four points from two matches. Meanwhile, Celta's 100% start to the campaign was reinforced by a 3-1 home victory against Valencia.
Villarreal's Challenges and New Faces
Last season's eighth-place finish was a disappointment for the Yellow Submarine, who missed out on European competition. Their top scorer, Alexander Sorloth, departed for Atletico Madrid this summer. However, they have made nine new signings, with Logan Costa from Toulouse the most expensive arrival, and Thierno Barry leading the additions in attack.
Marcelino's side opened their La Liga season with a 2-2 draw against Atletico Madrid before securing a dramatic last-minute win against Sevilla thanks to Ayoze Perez's 95th-minute strike. This result momentarily placed them second in the table.
Celta's Resurgence and Iago Aspas's Form
Despite finishing 13th in La Liga last season, Celta have a history of strong performances, having secured top-eight finishes between 2014 and 2016. Under Claudio Giraldez, they've made a positive start to the new campaign, defeating Alaves and Valencia with Iago Aspas scoring in both matches.
The Sky Blues have been relatively quiet in the transfer market, making just three signings, including Unai Nunez on a permanent deal after a successful loan spell. They have, however, seamlessly replaced departing striker Jorgen Strand Larsen (on loan to Wolverhampton Wanderers) with a consistent goal threat.
Team News and Potential Lineups
Villarreal will be without injured trio Juan Foyth, Alfonso Pedraza, and Denis Suarez. Arnaut Danjuma, with two goals in as many appearances, is expected to feature prominently in attack. New signing Barry could make his first start after a promising debut against Sevilla, while Logan Costa might also earn his debut in central defence. Marcelino is likely to rotate his squad due to the quick turnaround, with Perez possibly earning a place in the starting XI.
Celta will continue to be without Luca de la Torre and Mihailo Ristic through injury, while Oscar Mingueza is a doubt following his early exit against Valencia. Sergio Carreira could fill the void in defence, but otherwise, the visitors are expected to remain unchanged, with Aspas aiming for a third consecutive goal. Fran Beltran's impressive performance against Valencia suggests he'll start in midfield, while Borja Iglesias might have to settle for a place on the bench, with Tasos Douvikas set to continue his run in the forward line.
Villarreal Possible Starting Lineup: Conde; Femenia, Kambwala, Costa, Cardona; Perez, Comesana, Gueye, Baena; Danjuma, Barry
Celta Vigo Possible Starting Lineup: Villar; C Rodriguez, Jailson, Dominguez; Alvarez, D Rodriguez, Beltran, Carreira; Aspas, Douvikas, Swedberg
Prediction: Villarreal 2-1 Celta Vigo
Both sides have impressed in the opening weeks, and this fixture promises to be a tight contest. However, home advantage should give Villarreal the edge, enabling them to secure a valuable three points.
