Celta’s tight defence meets an Alavés side that has stopped scoring
On Sunday, 18 October 2026, Celta Vigo take on Alavés at Balaídos, in round 9 of La Liga. Claudio Giráldez’s side are ninth with eight points and have conceded six goals in eight league games. They lost 2-1 to Juventus in the Europa League on Thursday. Alavés are seventh with 11 points but are winless in four. Kick-off is at 16:15 CEST.
“There’s no urgency.” – Alavés coach Quique Sánchez Flores (translated)
Predicted lineups: Celta Vigo vs Alavés
Celta are without Borja Iglesias (calf, about six weeks), Starfelt, Miguel Román and El-Abdellaoui, and Pablo Durán is a doubt. Heavy rotation is expected after Thursday. Alavés are missing Ángel Pérez through suspension, plus Garcés and Mikel Rodríguez. The line-ups below follow Futbolfantasy’s prediction; Alavés‘ back five is shown as a 3-4-3 in our graphic.
Celta Vigo Team News & Preview
Celta lost 2-1 to Juventus on Thursday night after leading through Hugo Álvarez. Giráldez said they did not deserve to lose. In the league they drew 0-0 at Elche last weekend, and four of their eight league games have been draws.
The defence is Celta’s strength. They have conceded six league goals, and Quique called them the team that has conceded the fewest. But they have about 66 hours to recover and lose Borja Iglesias for several weeks.
What works for or against Celta Vigo
- Six goals conceded in eight league games.
- Four away draws, 1-1 on goals.
- Borja Iglesias out.
- Played Thursday night.
Alavés Team News & Preview
Alavés lost 2-1 to Atlético last weekend. Boyé scored a penalty, Ángel Pérez was sent off after a VAR review and Atlético won it late. They have not won in four.
Quique said the main focus this week was attack because the team has stopped scoring. Away from home Alavés have two goals in three games. He is also weighing up a back five, which would make them harder to break down.
What works for or against Alavés
- Two goals in three away games.
- Winless in four.
- Ángel Pérez suspended.
- Eight days of rest.
Celta Vigo vs Alavés Odds
Match Result
Double Chance
Draw No Bet
Over/Under
Both Teams to Score
Celta Vigo vs. Alavés Stats Comparison
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Celta Vigo vs. Alavés Form Guide
Celta Vigo Form, Stats & Data
Celta score 1.00 league goal per game and concede 0.75. At home they have one win, one draw and two defeats.
Alavés Form, Stats & Data
Alavés score 1.50 league goals per game and concede 1.00. Away from home they have two draws and a defeat, with two goals scored.
Celta Vigo vs Alavés: Prediction & Betting Tip
Celta have conceded six goals in eight league games and are without Borja Iglesias. Alavés have scored two in three away games, and their coach admits they have stopped scoring. I like Under 2.5 Goals at 1.65.
The biggest risk is fatigue. Celta played on Thursday night and will rotate, which could loosen their defence against a fresher Alavés side. Their meeting in March finished 3-4. That is why my stake is small, but this season’s numbers point to a tight game.
I am backing Under 2.5 Goals at 1.65 with Winz, and I have it finishing 1-0.