Celta Vigo vs Atletico Madrid

September 8, 2016
By: Milos Markovic

Both Celta Vigo and Atletico Madrid have opened their respective La Liga seasons in disappointing manner with hosts losing both of their games and visitors suffering two surprising draws against the minnows. The Saturday’s early afternoon match will thus be a great chance for either team to get back on track.

No Nolito, No Party

It has been a long time coming, but Celta Vigo still failed to cope with the departure of their key member of the first team – Nolito – a summer departure to Manchester City. The Spanish international has been the most important member of the team and his €18 million transfer to the Premier League has left Celta deprived of the creative spark that has helped the team on so many occasions in the past. Os Celticos have started the season on the wrong foot by losing both of their opening La Liga matches and Atletico Madrid arrive to Balaidos at the worst time possible. Having dropped an upsetting 1-0 loss to newly-promoted Leganes, Celta got nipped by Real Madrid 2-1 despite an improved performance from Eudardo Berizzo’s men, who fought bravely against Los Blancos. Os Celticos will be keen to avoid succumbing to third consecutive defeat, but it will be easier said than done against the team which has a huge point to prove.

The hosts have plenty of selection worries with the likes of Claudio Beauvue, Fabian Orellana, Carles Planas, Ruben Blanco, Marcelo Diaz and Andreu Fontas all rulled out through different injury problems.

What is going on with Atletico Madrid?

Los Colchoneros’ poor start to the season has come as a huge surprise for the team which managed to crowbar themselves into talk of Europe’s biggest clubs over the last couple of years and to disrupt the Spanish duopoly. Whether Atletico Madrid are losing steam following exhausting exploits or they just lack competitive fortune at the beginning of the new season is up for a debate, but the early results have left fans feeling disappointed. Consecutive draws against La Liga minnows Alaves and Leganes have raised plenty of questions and even put Diego Simeone’s future in doubt. Antonione Griezmann comes in package with the manager and there have been concerning reports just days after the transfer window was closed that the pair could soon be leaving Vicente Calderon. Los Colchoneros have been productive during the summer market having reinforced their squad with the likes of Kevin Gameiro, Nico Gaitan and Diogo Jota who are expected to add more depth and quality to Atletico Madrid squad. There is still a long road ahead of Atletico Madrid who were expected to make a step forward compared to their third-place La Liga finish last season.

Diego Simeone has no major selection problems ahead of the Saturday afternoon’s clash. Goalkeeper Miguel Angel Moya is the sole unavailable player for a trip Balaidos with his arthroscopy expected to keep him out until October.

Verdict

Atletico Madrid are under pressure to record their first win in the season following an underwhelming start and back-to-back stalemates. Celta Vigo are on the downhill and another set-back can be a huge blow to the team’s morale.

Top pick: Atletico Madrid   1.83 (5/6) @WilliamHill

Alternative pick: Both teams to score – No   1.65 (13/20) @BetVictor

Alternative pick 2: Under 2.5 goals   1.56 (5/9) @888sport

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