Celta Vigo were due to host Osasuna on the first weekend of La Liga, but the game was postponed. With the pitch issues at Balaídos now resolved, the clubs will clash on Thursday night.

Changes expected as Celta Vigo bid to build on opening draw

The new season for Celta Vigo began with a 0-0 stalemate at Valencia. Claudio Giráldez favours a rotation policy and is likely to respond with some alterations.

With a full squad expected to be available, Carl Starfelt is pushing for a start in central defence. Ilaix Moriba and Javi Rueda are also strong candidates to come into the side, while Giráldez will want to see more from his attacking players.

That will mean opportunities for Williot Swedberg and Iago Aspas, in support of striker Ferran Jutglà. Swedberg is one of many promising youngsters in this Celta squad. The 22-year-old registered 10 goal contributions in the league last term, while averaging 0.8 shots per game.

Celta Vigo predicted lineup vs Osasuna (3-4-2-1): Radu; Rodríguez, Starfelt, Alonso; Rueda, Moriba, Febas, Carreira; Aspas, Swedberg; Jutglà.

Quick turnaround for Osasuna after goalless clash

Osasuna also kicked off their campaign with a 0-0 draw. Their new boss Luis Miguel Ramis arrived with a defensive reputation, but he’d have been expecting a victory at home on Monday against a relatively weak Levante side.

Aimar Oroz and Ante Budimir are minor fitness concerns three days on, but both should feature in some capacity. Valentin Rosier is likely to miss out through injury.

Ramis set up with a 4-4-2 system last time out, which suggests Raúl García may get more opportunities this season. 30 of his 36 league appearances last term were off the bench, but he still managed to score seven times.

Osasuna predicted lineup vs Celta Vigo (4-4-2): Herrera; Arguibide, Catena, Herrando, Bretones; Barja, Torró, Moncayola, Moro; Budimir, Raúl García.

Celta Vigo vs Osasuna Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Celta Vigo to win or draw
  • Odds: 1.293 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Celta Vigo 1-0 Osasuna
  • 22Bet Booking Code: PRUU2

Key stats:

  • Celta Vigo have won two of the past three meetings between the clubs.
  • It’s just one point in six La Liga matches for Osasuna.
  • Celta have avoided defeat in five of their previous six league encounters.

Osasuna faded badly and only narrowly avoided relegation last season. Their reliance on 35-year-old Ante Budimir for goals is one concern, while Ramis has made little impact so far. Including friendlies, Los Rojillos are winless in four matches.

Backing Celta Vigo to win or draw is a safe option. The hosts have finished in the top seven two years running. They’ve recruited well this summer, with Aleix Febas a good fit for their ball-playing midfield. He completed 90% of his passes in La Liga for Elche last term.

Celta Vigo vs Osasuna Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Both teams to score - No
  • Odds: 1.851 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: F5VU2

With both teams starting out with 0-0 draws, backing at least one side to fail to score offers value. Two of Osasuna’s past three away league fixtures have ended in 1-0 defeats.

Neither team will be at their best in the final third. Budimir, who scored 17 league goals last season, may not complete the 90 minutes, and Celta’s main striker, Borja Iglesias, has only recently returned to training following the World Cup.

Verdict: Celta Vigo to win or draw (1.293) — Celta Vigo 1-0 Osasuna