Introduction
The second game of the 2020/21 is set to start for Barca against Celta Vigo at the Balaidos. Celta Vigo having a topsy-turvy start to their La Liga season. They have 1 win and 2 draws from their opening 3 games. And Celta would be aiming to stay well away from the relegation zone after they barely made it last season. Vigo has reinforced its side. As Highly talented winger Emre Mor and former La Masia graduate David Costas return after their loan spells.
On the other hand, Barcelona has played just one game in the league and came out 4-0 winners against Villareal. Celta would be a stern test for Koeman’s side this season. The Balaidos has proven to be somewhat of a roadblock for the Blaugrana in the recent seasons. Because Barcelona has failed to win in their last 6 visits to the stadium.
Tactical Preview of the game
Celta Vigo FC
Celta is a team that plays fearlessly at home and is not afraid of keeping a high line. Barca was unlucky to come away with a 2-2 draw the last time, thanks to the smart free-kick by Iago Aspas. Celta likes to play in the traditional 4-4-2 styled formation. They will look to build their attack by using the entire width of the pitch. Celta has talented fullbacks like Hugo Mallo and David Junca as well as wide players like Braiz Mendez. They will look to attack from the wide areas and feed the ball to their star striker Iago Aspas.
However, their main weakness lies in the center with their central midfielders Fran Beltran and Renato Tapia. These two have lost the most defensive duels in their first three games of the season. Celta relies on the two midfielders in the center to hold the midfield. This is a weakness that Barca will look to exploit. Celta will look to get behind the high defensive line of Barcelona.
FC Barcelona
Barcelona will be feeling fairly confident coming into this tie at the back of a 4-0 win against Villareal. Koeman prefers the 4-2-3-1 formation and expects him to field pretty much the same lineup he did against Villareal. The only possible change could be Pjanic starting his first competitive game for Barca with Busquets on the bench. Frenkie de Jong will be the second pivot. Expect The back four for Barca to be the same. Coutinho playing the No.10 role and Messi playing the false nine. Ansu Fati on the left and Griezmann on the right.
Frenkie de jong and Coutinho would be the key midfielders for Barca. As they will look to exploit the weakness through the center of the park. Jordi Alba will motor forward as always. Celta will look to exploit the wide areas, so Pique and Lenglet will have to be quick on their feet. However, the man to watch will be Ansu Fati, after his brilliant first-half display against Villareal. The 17-year-old will look to prove his caliber and cement his place in this Barcelona side.
Conclusion
Expect this to be a high scoring game. Both teams looking to build from the back and not being afraid to play a high defensive line. Barca will look to continue their good start to the season and Celta Vigo looking to cause an upset once more.
