A big factor in Gattuso fronting up maybe because it was two set-piece goals that undid his side, yet that’s not something Valencia are accustomed too, as it was actually the first time they have conceded more than a single goal in any of their LaLiga contests so far this season.
Valencia
It’s been a Jekyll and Hyde start to the campaign for Valencia, who have struggled to put together a consistent run of form. In the wake of their most recent defeat, 2-1 away to Rayo Vallecano, manager Gennaro Gattuso was happy to shoulder a portion of the blame for his side, stating “the responsibility falls on me.” A big factor in Gattuso fronting up maybe because it was two set-piece goals that undid his side, yet that’s not something Valencia are accustomed too, as it was actually the first time they have conceded more than a single goal in any of their LaLiga contests so far this season.
It’s been at home where Valencia have picked up both of their league victories so far, which should leave Gattuso feeling confident his side can bounce back here, especially as they’ve won each of the last three H2Hs against Celta Vigo at Mestalla Stadium without conceding a goal.
Celta Vigo
Celta Vigo have suffered a similarly indifferent season so far and also come into this clash on the back of a defeat, 4-1 away to Atletico Madrid. Despite their form and the manner of that loss, there’s an argument to be had that it didn’t actually reflect the performance of the visitors, at least that was the view of Spanish football journalist Pete Jenson who stated: “the result was an unfair reflection of the performance.” Under manager Eduardo Coudet, Celta have regularly been credited with punching above their weight, yet their record of just two wins from their last 12 LaLiga away games can’t be ignored. Celta managed to score more than a single goal just twice in that run, highlighting a real bluntness in the Sky Blues’ attack away from home.
Summer signing Samuel Lino opened his Valencia account in their last home game, and four of his last five goals scored for Gil Vicente last season came in home encounters. Celta opponent Iago Aspas will be looking to add to his seven career goals against Valencia and is certainly in good form to do so after scoring five times across his opening five LaLiga games. The last five H2Hs between these two have produced a remarkable 30 cards (29 yellow, one red).