A 3-3 draw against Levante on Tuesday night saw Barcelona dropping points and almost finishing their hopes of being crowned the La Liga champions this season. Them dropping points and Atletico Madrid’s victory against Real Sociedad means that the Blaugranas now trail the league leaders by 4 points with two matches to go. They would want to do everything in their power to stay in contention of the league when they host an in-form Celta Vigo side on Sunday.
With only a week and a half left before this rollercoaster of a season finalises, the only thing Barcelona can control now is not wasting any opportunity to be champions if a miracle somehow presents itself. Barcelona are currently in the hands of the two teams from the Spanish capital.
Celta Vigo, meanwhile, have been victorious in their last four matches with their latest win being a 1-0 victory at home over Getafe. The Galicians’ currently find themselves at eighth place, but a hot form of run has helped them close the gap to seventh placed Villarreal to two points.
This would be a big opportunity for them to qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League if somehow they can overtake Villareal for the seventh position. Eduardo Coudet’s men will be hoping to do the exactly that and will be confident ahead of this fixture.
TEAM NEWS
Ronald Araujo and Sergi Roberto will miss Sunday’s clash against Celta Vigo after picking up injuries in Barcelona’s 3-3 draw at Levante and are most probably out for the rest of the season. Frenkie de Jong is suspended for the clash after picking up his fifth yellow card of the campaign. Ansu Fati and Philippe Coutinho remain the long-term casualties.
Barcelona Probable Lineup: Ter Stegen; Alba, Lenglet, Pique, Mingueza, Dest; Busquets, Puig, Pedri; Messi, Griezmann
BREAKING NEWS ❗
First team player @SergiRoberto10 is suffering from tendon discomfort in his right rectus femoris. His recovery will be assessed over the coming days. pic.twitter.com/zp3GXrJhxQ
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 12, 2021
For Celta Vigo, Facundo Ferreyra and Nestor Araujo will be back after serving their suspensions from the Villareal match which Celta Vigo won 4-2. Sergio Alvarez, Rube Blanco, Emre Mor, Jeison Murrilo and Renato Tapia all remain out through injury.
Celta Vigo Probable Lineup: Villar; Caricol, Murrilo, Arauj, Mallo; Beltran; Suarez, Mendez, Nolito; Mina, Aspas
GAME CHANGERS
Lionel Messi has been doing exactly the same thing he has been for years at Barcelona. With 29 goals this La Liga season and 37 in all competition, Messi is yet again living up to his legendary standards. He has been in terrific form, with his dribbling and goal scoring ability causing plenty of problems to the opponents.
Lionel Messi extends his La Liga lead with 29 goals this season 🔥
Legend 🐐 pic.twitter.com/dV8KoGocfe
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 11, 2021
Racking up 14 assists in all competitions, he has been creating a lot as well, many a times falling deep and being a quarterback with excellent balls from almost halfway line. His deadly vision and passing skills will also act as a game changer. In his last 10 games in La Liga he has netted 10 goals and provided 3.
Iago Aspas, the genius of Moana, is having another wonderful season for Celta Vigo. Similarly like Messi, he is the magician and the goal scorer for his side. With 13 goals and a league leading 11 assists in La Liga this season, the 33 year old has been on a tear for the Galicians.
He undoubtedly is Celta’s best player. He is dynamic and intelligent, he scores, connects the midfield with attack, assists and works hard off the ball. The Spaniard is also the only one capable of generating something out of nowhere. And when it mattered the most, he has stepped up as the main man for his side in the last month scoring 4 and assisting 3 in his last 8 matches in La Liga.
PREDICTIONS
Both the teams have something at stake. Barcelona will be looking to keep their compact chances of winning La Liga alive while Celta Vigo will want to book a ticket for the Europa League or the Europa Conference League next season. FootTheBall predicts a hard-fought 2-1 win for Barcelona.