Celta Vigo vs Villarreal

1. 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). 

2. 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. 

3. 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. 

4. 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. 

5. 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. 

6. Forecast & Expected Dynamics

1. Celta Vigo Advantage: Home reliance on Aspas as talisman, Zaragoza’s wing creativity, plus Swedberg/Alfon as impact subs. 

1. Villarreal Challenge: Missing both Ayoze Pérez and Gerard Moreno hurts goal output. Must lean heavily on Baena + midfield contributions. 

1. Likely Flow: Celta to press with Aspas linking play, Villarreal to control possession via Partey–Parejo but risk blunt finishing without Ayoze. 

7. 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.