Team News and analysis
Javier Mascherano is back from suspension and is destined to take his place in Tito Vilanova’s starting XI. He will probably play alongside Dani Alves who has been declared fit. Xavi and Lionel Messi were rested in midweek and should return to action this Saturday. David Villa is in good scoring shape and could make the cut ahead of Alexis Sanchez. Gerard Pique remains a doubt.
As for Celta Vigo, their main worry is the absence of Gustavo Cabral. The centre-back saw red in his side’s 1-1 draw at home to Deportivo La Coruna. It will be even harder for the team to contain the Catalans. The latter could reopen a three-point gap over Atletico Madrid and an eight-point lead over Real Madrid. The last time Celta Vigo claimed a point at the Camp Nou was in December 2003.
Celta Vigo are locked on 10 points like Real Sociedad and Rayo Vallecano. They occupy the 13th position behind Valladolid, Valencia and Mallorca who each have 11 points. In fact the second half of the Spanish Primera Division table is very tight.
Saturday’s visitors at the Camp Nou could find themselves anywhere at the end of Matchday 10. More importantly, they would be glad to stay clear of the relegation zone currently occupied by Deportivo, Espanyol and Osasuna. Barcelona remain unbeaten in La Liga while Celta Vigo are hoping to avoid their sixth defeat of the campaign.
Head-to-head record
May 8, 2004: Celta Vigo 1-0 Barcelona
December 20, 2005: Barcelona 2-0 Celta Vigo
May 3, 2006: Celta Vigo 0-1 Barcelona
August 28, 2006: Celta Vigo 2-3 Barcelona
January 28, 2007: Barcelona 3-1 Celta Vigo
Prediction
Result: Barcelona 3-1 Celta Vigo
