Leganes will be playing in the top flight for the first time in their 86 year history when they face Celta Vigo. The team from the suburbs of Madrid will become the 59th team to participate in the top flight.
Unfortunately for Leganes, they begin their season in rather poor circumstances with coach Asier Garitano only able to select a team from a squad of 20 players – as opposed to the 23-25 most other teams have. This campaign will undoubtedly be a struggle for Leganes, starting with a match against Europa League participants Celta Vigo who finished sixth in La Liga last season.
Celta lost their best player in Nolito this summer after his move to Manchester City. However, the Galicians are already used to playing without their former star. Celta managed to pick up points despite the 29-year-old being injured for a significant amount of the second half of the season.
Attack is Celta’s strongest area. Coach Eduardo Berizzo has seen a turnover of players this summer with three leaving (Nolito, Alex Lopez and Madinda) whilst four were brought in. The main arrival has been midfielder Pione Sisto from Danish side FC Midtjylland to replace the departed Nolito.
I think Celta’s main problem this season could be if they decide to play two up front in European matches, however, if they decide against this then they should be OK.
Betting against La Liga newcomers in the first round of fixtures has not yet proved to be successful. Despite this, Celta are the much stronger side here and it is an excellent opportunity for them to record, not only a first home win of the season, but a good one at that.
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