Crisis summit on matchday four
There are just four rounds played and already the hat is on fire, which is why it turns out to be an important match for both teams. On the one hand, because the table is not to be looked at with joy.
On the other hand, even more unpleasant, however, for both clubs in the summer is the change of coach with what is now looked with concern at the decision. The Almeria vs Celta Vigo betting odds are therefore not very informative and the bookmakers are equally perplexed.
The guests have the greater pressure. They have distinguished themselves as the undisputed power from Galicia in recent years. Their squad is a lot more valuable than that of the hosts and also in terms of coaches the advantage should lie in the northwest of Spain. However, the table does not reflect this much. Therefore, the Almeria vs Celta Vigo predictions are kept very neutral.
At the moment it is one goal that separates the two opponents, because there have hardly been any points. That should change as soon as possible, so that the starting relegation vortex around these two does not turn further into the depth. On paper, the Galicians should have the better cards in terms of individual quality. However, this must also be brought to the pitch. Whether this will succeed is uncertain, which is also reflected in the Almeria vs Celta Vigo odds and currently does not allow any clear trends.
Almeria – statistics & current form
“Here we go again.” This, or something similar, will probably be the assessment of the fans in Almeria at the beer stand when looking at their team. The signs to a positive change are not yet visible.
The coach
There has been a new coach on the sidelines since June 2023, Vicente Moreno. In his playing career, he is best known for a decade at Xerez. He has now been on the sidelines for over ten years, which he also began at Xerex. After that followed Tarragona, Mallorca, Espanyol and a trip to Al Shabab.
What these stations have in common is their duration. The maximum half-life has been three years. First an appealing start, a mediocre succession and then the end. Now it starts already badly at new place of action.
The squad
The staff seems like a younger version of the coach. Basically with good approaches but often not consistent enough. In this category fall seasoned names of the league like Leo Baptistao (Rayo, Espanyol,…), Adrian Embarba (Rayo, Espanyol,…) or Gonzalo Melero (Huesca, Levante,…).
They all have proven time and again what they can do. However, they all have also had hang-ups time and time again that cost them work at their previous stops. They had better get their act together here, or they’ll meet the same fate again.
The Season
The previous performances of the troop from Andalusia were not particularly hopeful for this. After a reasonable preparation, it started with a guest game at Rayo Vallecano. The team did a good job, but were killed by two defensive mistakes and eventually punished by two penalties 0:2. In round two, the Galicians then went down 1:3 to the white ballet. This was not really an upset.
However, when the points were then shared with Cadiz, it was problematic. Against one of the (presumed) direct competitors to remain in the league, the point currently seems too little. Thus, in the Almeria vs Celta Vigo tips, there are few who want to bet much on the red-yellow.
Predicted lineup of Almeria:
Almeria (Expected lineup) 4-2-3-1
Celta Vigo – statistics & current form
Celta have made it out of the long shadow of Deportivo la Coruna with consistency and composure. For well over a decade, the Celestes have been Galicia’s poster boys. That reputation, however, is shaking badly after a tepid start, despite the wing of star coach Rafael Benitez.
The Champions League in the far north
The Spanish coach has taken over training at the Balaidos since the summer of 2023. A short work review of his previous titles: Coppa Italia with Napoli, Europa League with Chelsea, La Liga and UEFA Cup with Valencia and, of course, the Champions League and FA Cup with Liverpool.
The man has won more than all Galician teams combined and the euphoria was therefore great when he was appointed. Expectations have naturally risen as a result and the team should finish higher than 13th in the previous year. The squad was also strongly screwed for this, but so far without really tangible results.
The squad
The most important thing at the beginning: Iago Aspas is still playing. Now a crisp 36 Lenze young, he is the face of the last few years and the life insurance of the Galicians. So that he doesn’t have to do everything on his own, attacker Anastasios Douvikas was brought in from Utrecht.
The young Greek shot his way from Volos (14 goals in 30 games) to Utrecht (28 goals in 68 games) to the north of the Iberian Peninsula. Besides him, several strong transfers were made with Carl Starfelt (Celtic), Carles Perez (Roma) and Jonathan Bamba (Lille). However, it seems that the newcomers still need some time to get used to the game.
The season
The preparation made quite hope, but the league start did this then less. The first setback came right at the start against Osasuna with 0:2, followed by a 1:1 at Real Sociedad. The second home game was then a 0:1 loss to Real.
So things are not really going well yet. With the exception of the first game, however, there were no total surprises. For this reason, Celta is also slightly in the favorite role.
Predicted lineup of Celta Vigo:
Celta Vigo (Expected lineup) 4-4-2
Almeria – Celta Vigo Direct comparison / H2H balance
Due to Almeria’s long absence from the Spanish top flight, the comparative period of the last ten encounters spans more than ten years. At the beginning, this duel was constant. Then there was complete radio silence between 2015 and 2022. Viewed over the entire length, Celta has a narrow lead with 5:3 victories.
But the only exciting clashes between the two from the preseason tell a different story. Almeria won 3-1 at home and managed to snatch a point in Galicia with a 2-2 draw. Perhaps history will repeat itself. Therefore, the Almeria vs Celta Vigo predictions do not point in a clear direction yet.
Almeria vs Celta Vigo prediction
Looking at the active and passive personnel, Celta looks like the favorite. The start of the season has undoubtedly failed. However, the same must be said about the hosts, who also had the supposedly easier program. For the bookmakers, however, something like that is not enough to go out on a limb. The Almeria vs Celta Vigo odds are namely close together.
When looking at the results so far, it’s also worth noting that Almeria have only faced each other once at home so far, and they’ve lost. Celta, on the other hand, have made their only point on the road. Perhaps that can be interpreted as a good omen.
It’s going to be a scramble, but in the end, the nominally taller one will prevail. Against an “easier” opponent, the knot bursts. We say Almeria vs. Celta Vigo tip 2, but if the teams stay true to each other, it will be high-scoring