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FC Barcelona host Celta Vigo in La Liga Matchday 26

By Benjamin Barkworth

VIGO, SPAIN - OCTOBER 02: Arda Turan (1-L) and Paco Alcácer (C) of of FC Barcelona react at the end of the La Liga match between Real Club Celta de Vigo and Futbol Club Barcelona (4-3) at the Balaidos stadium on October 02, 2016 in Vigo, Spain. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
VIGO, SPAIN - OCTOBER 02: Arda Turan (1-L) and Paco Alcácer (C) of of FC Barcelona react at the end of the La Liga match between Real Club Celta de Vigo and Futbol Club Barcelona (4-3) at the Balaidos stadium on October 02, 2016 in Vigo, Spain. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images) /
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Barcelona will be seeking revenge for the 4-3 loss, in the reverse fixture, earlier in the season.

Form

The Catalans are unbeaten in eighteen matches going in to this match, with their last loss in this competition being against today’s opponents. In fact, Barcelona have won their last five matches in the league, with an aggregate scoreline of 19-3. However, the 4-0 loss to PSG in the Champions League, and the poor performance against Leganés led to criticism and formation changes. The second leg against the French champions is this week, so that will be in the back of the players’ minds.

Squads

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Barcelona’s only major change is the return of Arda Turan for André Gomes. The Portuguese midfielder is out due to illness. Aleix Vidal and Jérémy Mathieu are both still out due to injury. Celta Vigo have a few major absentees as well. The ex-Barcelona defender Andreu Fontàs is out suspended. Rubén Blanco and Pablo Hernández are both out injured. Aside from that, they have a strong team to bring to Camp Nou. Pione Sisto and Iago Aspas, who pulled apart Barcelona last time, are both in the squad, so the Catalans need to be wary.

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History

Celta Vigo have an impressive record against Luis Enrique’s Barca with three wins, which is the most for any team. Two of those wins were convincing as well, with the Galicians scoring four goals both times. However, they were both at the Balaídos stadium, with their win at the Camp Nou being 1-0. The Catalans got their revenge last year with a 6-1 win, and this year could be similar with the brand new formation which Barça are trying. In terms of goals, the last five games have seen twenty-one goals, so expect plenty in this one.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – MARCH 01: Luis Enrique, Manager of FC Barcelona looks on prior the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Sporting de Gijon at Camp Nou Stadium on March 1, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by fotopress/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – MARCH 01: Luis Enrique, Manager of FC Barcelona looks on prior the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Sporting de Gijon at Camp Nou Stadium on March 1, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by fotopress/Getty Images) /

Playing Style

The Galicians like to employ a high pressing style of play against Barca, which seems to differ in success depending on where they’re playing. At the Balaídos, it has proved to be very successful, with Barcelona being unsettled by it both times. Playing at the Camp Nou yields different results, though, which could be due to the size of the pitch. The extra width may give them the space needed to play effectively around the press.

If Enrique decides to continue with the 3-4-3 diamond, then the extra midfielders could be vital. Having them extra options through the passing lanes means that they could effectively control the game, and ensure that the front three get plenty of ball. Being able to control the game means that they should be able to pick Celta Vigo apart.

The main issue affecting Enrique’s team selection and substitutions is the PSG game on the horizon. Ensuring that this game is won early could be vital for the midweek game because he could rest some of the key players. It could be similar to the 6-1 win last year in which Barça exacted their revenge with the famous ‘pass penalty’ being a part of that. This should be a convincing win, which gives Barcelona a boost going in to the Champions League second leg.

Prediction: FC Barcelona 4-1 Celta Vigo

Predicted Lineup

Sergi Roberto or Jordi Alba could start if Enrique wants someone defensively minded in the wing-back role.