Lopetegui: “Celta will be dangerous with the impulse of a new coach.”
It may be a case of a new manager bounce as Celta Vigo visits Nervión on the return from the international break. This adds an additional layer of trickery to the fixture, as we failed to obtain 3 points in both matches last season. Furthermore, it’s only 1 win in 5 against Os Celestes. With ex-Sevillistas Denis Suárez, Nolito & Iago Aspas likely to take part, there should be no surprise if the Galicians come to the RSP with more confidence.
Suso returns to the treatment table with another injury, while Carlos Fernández is out indefinitely after testing positive for Covid-19 earlier this week.
Although the team ended their 3-match losing streak last time out, it still took a 2nd half penalty from Ocampos to win the game. It was akin to our struggles from last campaign, where scoring issues were a common occurrence. Signs point to En-Nesyri leading the line against Celta, as De Jong is likely to be rested ahead of the midweek trip to Russia. The fullback positions remain in the balance as Marcos Acuña remains a doubt, while Jesús Navas hasn’t been ruled out by Lopetegui. Is Julen really about to bench the captain on his birthday?