Ready for the island?

Just seven matchdays into the books and already the fear is running rampant. The spectre of relegation is beginning to make its circles. Almost expected from the hosts. But apart from the promoted team, the visitors in particular have made a disastrous start. In keeping with this, the betting odds on Las Palmas against Celta Vigo are more likely to go for a home win.

At the same time, everything on paper should be in favour of the men from the north-west. The squad is more than twice as valuable. The hosts have just been promoted and are therefore still new to the level. Most important, however, is the coaching position.

With Rafael Benítez, a resounding and highly decorated name was brought in. On the pitch, however, this is hardly evident yet. Many observers of the clash between Las Palmas and Celta Vigo are predicting a further setback for the Galicians.

However, both teams have already achieved respectable results. Points have been taken or at least only narrowly lost against nominally stronger opposition. The problem, however, is the frequency of the latter case. This, of course, is no way to score points and it starts to turn the whirlpool. No wonder, then, that Las Palmas v Celta Vigo doesn’t see extreme swings in the odds.

Las Palmas – Statistics & current form

Finally Primera Division on Gran Canaria again. The last time that happened was in 2018, with the Blue-Yellows clawing their ticket to the top flight by finishing second in the Segunda. Fortunately, the mastermind behind the promotion is still on board.

The Coach

García Pimienta is a child of “La Masia”. Born in Barcelona, he played for the youth and (briefly) the first team of FC Barcelona. He also began his coaching career there in 2006. He gained valuable experience in various roles in the youth and B teams.

Now he can put this to good use in his first station as a coach. With 72 points from 42 games and a goal difference of 49:29, his men were runners-up. Now the aim is to keep the league title with few resources.

Las Palmas is the cheapest team in the league

The squad from the Canaries is the “cheapest” in the league on average. Not even 50 million in market value are gathered in the 26-man squad. No wonder with the transfer strategy of the blue-yellow team. Instead of investing “come hell or high water”, they acted prudently. Most of the additions were free and from lower leagues. The king transfer is Mika Mármol, who came from Andorra for 1.9 million. By the way, Gerard Piqué is the boss there. In the style of the former Barcelona, the aim is to score points with young talent.

The promoted team has made a reasonable start to the season

To date, the return is probably quite acceptable. Seven games, five points and a goal difference of 2:6 are on the books. A decent start for a promoted team. The problem is probably the opposition so far. With the exception of Girona (0:1) and Real (0:2), there were only a few big teams.

Nominally, the defeats against Valencia (0:1) and Sevilla (0:1) were probably expected. However, the Andalusian representatives in particular have only been strong to a limited extent so far. So it remains to be seen where the journey will take us. But the game against the Galicians will probably not be quite so easy.

Predicted line-up of Las Palmas:

Las Palmas (Expected line-up) 4-5-1

Celta Vigo – Statistics & current form

Galicia’s long-time soloist is wobbling precariously. At least when looking at the table, some are probably already tearing their hair out. And yet they made a big splash before the season.

Coach Benítez has not yet lived up to his praise

Not a few were amazed at the appointment of the new coach. Rafael Benítez has been wielding the baton at Balaídos since the summer. The former coach of (among others) Valencia (La Liga / UEFA Cup) and Liverpool (Champions League) came to the northwest with a big bag of advance praise. But he has not yet been able to match his former glory days with his new charges. The personnel would actually be there.

Iago Aspas is still there. The man with the light blue blood is the Galician’s undisputed identification figure. The captain has already played more than 400 games and scored more than 170 goals. So that he, at the tender age of 36, does not have to do everything alone, he was bought in during the summer.

Anastasios Douvikas (Utrecht) was the top transfer at twelve million. With Jonathan Bamba (Lille), Carlos Dotor (Real) and Carles Pérez (Roma), the forward gear was recalibrated. To date, however, the engine has been sputtering.

The opener

Six rounds and four points are definitely not famous. 7:11 goals even less. Sounds like a juicy false start. However, there comes a big BUT! The defeats came against Osasuna (0:2), Real (0:1), Mallorca (0:1) and Barca (2:3). Even with a very tight view, only Mallorca is probably a big surprise.

In pre-season, these were the final ranks of one, two, seven and nine. Celta were in 14th place, which is why many tips assume a home win for Las Palmas against Celta Vigo. However, this does not seem quite so clear-cut.

Predicted line-up of Celta Vigo:

Celta Vigo (Expected line-up) 5-4-1

Las Palmas – Celta Vigo Direct comparison / H2H-balance

The direct comparison is a sporadic one. The fact that the last ten encounters have been spread over a period of more than ten years shows quite clearly the difference. Celta have been regulars in the top flight for years. The islanders, on the other hand, grace the top flight of Spanish football every few years.

In purely statistical terms, the duel is even. There have been four wins and two draws. However, the last encounter took place in 2018. The host’s last victory even dates back to 2016. In the here and now, the cards are reshuffled and many are favouring Las Palmas against Celta Vigo in their predictions.

Las Palmas – Celta Vigo Tip

When the paperwork is consulted, the game is a clear-cut affair. The squad is more valuable and the coach more renowned. Vigo is also younger (26.0 vs. 26.5), has more legionnaires (eleven vs. eight) and plays consistently at this level. The start of the season alone leaves many in doubt. Five points in seven games are simply too few. That’s why the odds go to the island for Las Palmas against Celta Vigo.

However, if you look at the opponents of the two rivals, you quickly notice the difference. The visitors have already had the “pleasure” with Barca, Real, San Sebastian and Osasuna. Las Palmas had to bow to the surprise team from Girona. Otherwise, it was more of a case of the fruit of the vine. So it is no wonder that the guests still have few points on their account.

Accordingly, we expect a trend reversal against an opponent within striking distance. Our tip for Las Palmas against Celta Vigo is 2. It will be close and competitive. The performances so far do not suggest much to count on