Alaves travel to Galicia to take on Celta Vigo on the opening matchday in the Spanish top flight. Our Celta Vigo vs Alaves prediction and La Liga betting tips look at whether either side can make a winning start.
Contents
Celta Vigo vs Alaves prediction: Low-scoring draw at Balaidos
Key stats
- Our Celta Vigo vs Alaves betting tips take into account that the visitors have only lost one of their eight pre-season matches.
- 58% of Celta home games last term produced under 2.5 goals.
- 68% of Alaves away matches in La Liga 2023/24 saw under 2.5 goals scored.
Correct score prediction: Celta Vigo 1-1 Alaves
Celta have lost last season’s top scorer Jorgen Strand Larsen and they weren’t that convincing at home in any case, with only six victories in La Liga 2023/24. Alaves are an organised side, fresh from a decent pre-season, and they look capable of grinding out a point.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Celta the even money favourites
- HOME: Evens (2.00) – 50.0%
- DRAW: 23/10 (3.30) – 30.3%
- AWAY: 27/10 (3.70) – 27.0%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Galicians are the favourites according to the Celta Vigo vs Alaves odds with an implied probability of 50.0% that they start with three points.
They come into this match following two games in England, the most recent of which ended in a 2-2 draw against West Ham at London Stadium.
Alaves won their final pre-season game, beating fellow La Liga outfit Osasuna 2-1 with Carlos Benavidez heading in the winner.
For more picks, today’s free football betting tips take a look at some of the best options from the action across Europe and beyond.
Most recent H2Hs: Visitors hoping for repeat of big win in April
Our Celta Vigo vs Alaves prediction suggests it’ll be tighter than the last meeting which ended in a convincing win for the Basques in Vitoria. Celta were unbeaten in five against this opposition prior to that though, winning four of those games.
Spain La Liga 27/04/24
CD Alaves
Celta Vigo
Spain La Liga 28/09/23
Celta Vigo
CD Alaves
Spain La Liga 07/05/22
Celta Vigo
CD Alaves
Spain La Liga 27/11/21
CD Alaves
Celta Vigo
Spain La Liga 04/04/21
CD Alaves
Celta Vigo
Celta Vigo preview: Goalkeeping doubt for hosts
The only injury concern for Celta is a big one with first choice keeper Vicente Guaita a doubt for this match. New signing Borja Iglesias is pushing for a start in attack.
Predicted Lineup: Vidal (GK), Starfelt, Jailson, Manquillo, Alvarez, Damian, Beltran, Mingueza, Bamba, Aspas & Iglesias
Spain La Liga 29/09/24 D Girona 1 Celta Vigo 1 Spain La Liga 26/09/24 L Atletico Madrid 1 Celta Vigo 0 Spain La Liga 22/09/24 L Athletic Bilbao 3 Celta Vigo 1 Spain La Liga 15/09/24 W Valladolid 1 Celta Vigo 3 Spain La Liga 01/09/24 L Osasuna 3 Celta Vigo 2
Alaves preview: Sedlar still sidelined
Long-term injury absentee Aleksandar Sedlar is nearing fitness again, but unlikely to feature here. Moussa Diarra, Stoichkov and Tomas Conechny could all make their debuts.
Predicted Lineup: Sivera (GK), Diarra, Abqar, Tenaglia, Vicente, Guevara, Blanco, Stoichkov, Guridi, Conechny & Kike Garcia
Spain La Liga 28/09/24 L Getafe 2 CD Alaves 0 Spain La Liga 24/09/24 L Real Madrid 3 CD Alaves 2 Spain La Liga 20/09/24 W Sevilla 1 CD Alaves 2 Spain La Liga 14/09/24 L Espanyol 3 CD Alaves 2 Spain La Liga 01/09/24 W Las Palmas 0 CD Alaves 2
Player to watch – Iago Aspas
Celta’s long-serving attacking star remains Iago Aspas. The 37-year-old chipped in with nine goals and 10 assists in La Liga 2023/24.
Aspas’ influence remains great
Now at an age where the decline should be setting in, Aspas has adapted his game and still offers a genuine scoring and creative threat. He averaged 2.3 shots and 2.6 key passes per game in La Liga last term.
