Mallorca vs Celta Vigo Prediction & Betting Tips (23 August)

Mallorca and Celta Vigo are set to clash on August 23 in a LaLiga fixture that promises more tension than tranquility. Both sides opened their campaigns with defeats—Mallorca fell 3-0 to Barcelona, while Celta Vigo were edged 2-0 by Getafe—leaving them eager to rebound. Jagoba Arrasate’s Mallorca will be banking on home advantage at Estadio Iberoamericano 2010, where the crowd’s energy could be the difference-maker. Despite a rocky preseason, Mallorca showed flashes of resilience, including wins over Shabab Al-Ahli and Hamburger SV. The return of Takuma Asano from injury and the arrival of Pablo Torre from Barcelona add creative spark to a side that often struggles to convert possession into goals.

Celta Vigo, under Claudio Giráldez, arrive with a squad that’s undergone notable changes. The permanent signing of Borja Iglesias from Real Betis bolsters their attack, while Ferran Jutgla and Ilaix Moriba add depth and dynamism. Their preseason was a mixed bag, with wins over Nacional and Grasshopper Zurich offset by losses to Vitoria Guimaraes and Stuttgart. Defensively, they’ve looked vulnerable, conceding in most outings, but their ability to score on the road—evident in their 2-1 win over Mallorca last season—makes them a dangerous visitor. Marcos Alonso’s experience at the back could be crucial in stabilizing a defense that’s still finding its rhythm.

Mallorca’s lineup is likely to feature Leo Román in goal, with Raíllo and Valjent anchoring the defense. Vedat Muriqi remains their focal point in attack, supported by Torre and Darder in midfield. Suspensions to Mascarell and injuries to Maffeo and Costa have forced Arrasate to shuffle his options, but the team’s structure remains intact. Celta Vigo, meanwhile, will lean on Iago Aspas for leadership and flair, with Jutgla and Zaragoza flanking him in a fluid front three. Moriba and Beltrán are expected to control the midfield, while Oscar Mingueza may reprise his role as a wing-back in Giráldez’s preferred 3-4-3 setup.

While bookmakers lean slightly toward Celta Vigo, the match feels ripe for a twist. Mallorca’s hunger to avenge last season’s home defeat and their improved attacking options suggest they won’t go quietly. Expect a cagey first half, with both sides probing for weaknesses. In the second half, Mallorca’s pressing game and set-piece threat could tilt the balance. A 2-1 scoreline in favor of the hosts feels plausible—Muriqi to net the opener, Aspas to respond, and Torre to seal it late. It’s not just a prediction; it’s a narrative waiting to unfold.