Monday sees the culmination of the fourth round of La Liga action and Girona face a tough task to overcome a decent looking Celta Vigo on home soil.
The Blanquivermell enjoyed an impressive maiden campaign in the top flight and a win before the international break at Villarreal will have given them confidence, while a victory against Atletico Madrid has been the highlight of Vigo’s strong start to the season.
Celta can strike in Catalonia
Antonio Mohamed’s appointment by Celta was a bit leftfield, but he has shown himself to be a decent coach, winning the Mexican Apertura three times with as many clubs, while he also guided Independiente to Copa Sudamericana glory in 2010.
A second win on the road this season is 3.00 but they will need to turn the tables from last season, when they went down 1-0 at the Montilivi in February.
Portu was the scorer on that occasion and is again likely to line up in attack, following speculation linking him with a summer move away. He is 3.40 to score at anytime and 8.50 to break the deadlock.
Girona built their 10th place finish on their home form last season but have lost five of their last six in front of their own fans and for all Eusebio Sacristan’s tactical nous, he could have his work cut out to halt that trend against his former side.
Goals could be an option
Celta are rightly seen as one of the entertainers in La Liga and for all of their turnover in players and managers, have been consistent with their policy of open and attacking football.
Mohamed has seen his side net twice in their last three, including the 2-1 away victory at Levante.
A repeat of that scoreline is 11.25 and with both teams favouring possession play and moving the ball with pace, chances at both ends are possible.
A ‘yes’ on both teams to score is only 1.68 and punters may take note that these two played out a 3-3 in the reverse fixture in Galicia last term.
Although seven of Girona’s last nine home games have produced under 2.5 goals, there should be more punters keen on over 2.5 goals at 1.83, especially with Celta conceding at least once in 21 of their last 23 league games.
Gomez goals key for Celta
Maxi Gomez got a hint of the big time as part of Uruguay’s World Cup squad and looks the next great striker to emerge from the South American country.
He has scored in his last two La Liga games and will be fresh due to his country’s lack of international action due to their FA’s financial issues.
Gomez has netted 20 times in 39 appearances since joining Los Celticos in May 2017 from Defensor Sporting. The 22-year-old is 2.50 to score at anytime, while he can be found at 6.00 to open the scoring.
He and Iago Aspas look a quality pair in attack and their ability in front of goal could well prove the difference on Monday evening.
