Valencia - Celta. Match preview, likely lineups and fantasy tips. Matchday 2 of LaLiga.

We show the probable lineups and statistical data of interest for your preferred fantasy game.

We also take a bit of a gamble and provide you with a captain, a striker, a wall and a risk for each of the two teams.

Valencia - Celta

Match date: 22/08-19:30

Valencia CF

Valencia CF kick off the season in front of their fans in a very special match: it will be the start of the last campaign at a Mestalla that this season will reach 104 years. Carlos Corberan's side will be looking to start with a win at home, although they will do so with a squad still under construction and with four or five signings still pending.

The game is also shaped by several absences. Diego López and Copete will not be available, while Rioja is a doubt due to a quad injury and Foulquier continues recovering from his knee problems.

There is no debate in goal: he has the spot. The defense will be formed by a back three, with the only two central defenders available at 100%, supported by an emergency Pepelu converted to that position to help with build-up play.

On the flanks, one of the big question marks in the starting XI appears. Jesús Vázquez will take one of the wide spots, while the other remains to be decided between José Gayà or the very young Gamón, one of the biggest surprises of this pre-season.

The midfield looks much more defined. Javi Guerra will act as the reference in the middle, supported by Ugrinic and Guido Rodríguez, in a midfield that blends talent, work and experience.

Up front, all eyes will be on Sato, one of the big sensations of the summer. The question is who will partner him in attack: Hugo Duro or Sadiq. Both arrive with their gunpowder a bit damp and will be looking to find the net again on precisely a special night for Mestalla.

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R.C. Celta de Vigo

Now, the season really begins for Real Club Celta de Vigo at Mestalla Stadium against a Valencia side that will also try to put on a good show for their fans, not just win.

The visitors arrive in good shape after a more than decent pre-season and a broad, defined core that has Claudio Giráldez's trust. And we say broad core, because, according to the local press this week, the good Giráldez has 107 different lineups without repeating a single starting XI in 107 matches as coach of the Vigo side.

From the injuries point of view, it seems that Javi Galán and Pablo Durán will already be at the disposal of the Celta coach. 

As for the starting XI, we see little room for surprises in the defensive line, with the centurions Javi Rodríguez, Marcos Alonso and Starfelt all looking like the most likely options to go straight into the starting lineup against the Valencia team.

In the creation area, it seems that Aleix Febas and Miguel Román will take charge in that double pivot, with Carreira and Rueda on the wings. Galán could come in, although having been a bit banged up a few weeks ago means he starts with fewer chances than the academy players, at least from our point of view.

Same with Panda. We don't think that these extra days of work he has had without a league match due to the fungus in Balaídos can mean the emergence Borja Iglesias in the starting XI, although we do believe he will get good minutes during the match. Ferrán Jutglá has a good chance to stake his claim with his pace, combination play and finishing at the tip of the spear in the Vigo attack.

Swedberg, Iago Aspas and Hugo González and, to a lesser extent, Hugo Álvarez, we believe, are in contention for the other two open positions that they will try to break down the Valencia defense with, based on their ability to beat their man. 

107 different lineups in 107 matches. May luck be with you, mate!

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