- Core Players & Star Quality
Celta Vigo
• Core: Aspas (1747 mins, 10G, 5A), Borja Iglesias (11G, 3A), Mingueza (2740 mins, 4G, 6A), Alonso (2656 mins, 3G).
• Aspas remains the talisman even at 37, still decisive in goals + assists.
• Iglesias’ exit leaves a major scoring void.
• Midfield lacks consistent creativity beyond Mingueza and Beltrán.
• Backline anchored by Alonso and Starfelt, though Starfelt is sidelined (muscle injury).
Villarreal
• Core: Álex Baena (2608 mins, 7G, 9A), Cardona (2955 mins, 7A from LB), Parejo (2281 mins, 3G, 3A), Gueye (2232 mins, 4G).
• Ayoze Pérez (19G, 2A) is the standout finisher but injured until late September.
• Gerard Moreno (3G, 2A in 719 mins) also sidelined, reducing firepower.
• Strong technical midfield base: Partey (2799 mins, 4G, 2A) and Comesaña (2565 mins, 4G, 2A).
- Departures Impact
Celta Vigo
• Loss of Borja Iglesias (11G) and Ilaix Moriba (depth in midfield) hits attack and ball progression.
• Guaita also gone - leaves goalkeeping less experienced (Radu now #1).
Villarreal
• Kiko Femenía (RB cover) and Pape Gueye depth moves reduce defensive rotation options.
• Barry (11G, 4A) departure also hurts forward line, amplifying reliance on Ayoze Pérez and Gerard Moreno - both currently injured.
- New Player Integration
Celta Vigo
• Jutglà (CF) expected to help offset Iglesias’ loss.
• Zaragoza (1848 mins, 1G, 6A) brings direct wide creativity.
• Luca de la Torre back but limited minutes so far.
• Manu Sánchez (2641 mins, 1G) key LB presence.
Villarreal
• Thomas Partey adds leadership + ball-winning ability.
• Moleiro (2729 mins, 6G, 1A) provides attacking midfield spark.
• Nicolás Pépé (1497 mins, 3G, 6A) gives wing threat, though inconsistent.
• Young CFs Pau Cabanes & Eyong still untested at this level.
- Assists & Goals Output
Celta Vigo
• Aspas (10G, 5A) still clutch in decisive games.
• Iglesias (11G) gone → scoring load shifts.
• Supporting cast: Mingueza (6A), Hugo Álvarez (4G, 3A), Swedberg (4G, 5A).
• Overall, attack lacks a double-digit active scorer.
Villarreal
• Ayoze Pérez (19G) was their lethal edge - but currently injured.
• Baena (7G, 9A) key creative + scoring link.
• Pépé (3G, 6A) adds depth.
• Without Ayoze & Moreno, Villarreal could struggle to hit high conversion.
- Substitutes’ Experience & Depth
Celta Vigo
• Subs like Alfon González (1373 mins, 5G, 2A) and Swedberg (1351 mins, 4G, 5A) are useful impact options.
• Younger depth: Hugo Sotelo, Damián Rodríguez - less proven but promising.
• Depth not yet reliable enough to compensate for star departures.
Villarreal
• Moreno normally provides elite impact from bench but now injured.
• Denis Suárez (603 mins, 1G, 1A) and Pépé offer rotation quality.
• Defensive depth: Foyth, Bailly, Navarro - adequate but aging.
• Attack depth weaker until Ayoze/Moreno return.
- Forecast & Expected Dynamics
- Celta Vigo Advantage: Home reliance on Aspas as talisman, Zaragoza’s wing creativity, plus Swedberg/Alfon as impact subs.
- Villarreal Challenge: Missing both Ayoze Pérez and Gerard Moreno hurts goal output. Must lean heavily on Baena + midfield contributions.
- Likely Flow: Celta to press with Aspas linking play, Villarreal to control possession via Partey–Parejo but risk blunt finishing without Ayoze.
- Predicted Strength Balance
- Celta Vigo: ★★★☆☆ - competitive spirit, Aspas’ leadership, but limited firepower post-Iglesias.
- Villarreal: ★★★★☆ - stronger midfield and squad depth, but current injuries strip attacking edge.
Projected Result: Tight contest, likely 1–1 draw or narrow Villarreal win (1–2) if Baena + Pépé deliver in absence of Ayoze/Moreno.
