Celta Vigo vs Nice Prediction & Betting Tips (23 October)

Celta Vigo enters their upcoming Europa League clash against Nice with a mixed bag of form and a squad that’s still finding its rhythm under manager Claudio Giráldez. The Galician side recently suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Stuttgart and followed it up with a more convincing 3-1 win over PAOK, showing flashes of attacking promise. Iago Aspas continues to lead by example, while Borja Iglesias and Javi Rodríguez have added depth to the forward line. The midfield, anchored by Fran Beltrán and Hugo Sotelo, has shown resilience, although defensive lapses remain a concern. With no clean sheets in their last few outings, Celta’s backline will need to tighten up if they hope to contain Nice’s pacey attackers.

Nice, on the other hand, has been struggling to find consistency in both domestic and European competitions. Under Franck Haise, the French side has endured a rough patch, failing to win in their last six matches across all competitions. Their Europa League campaign began with back-to-back losses—first a 2-1 defeat to Roma and then another 2-1 setback against Fenerbahçe. Despite these results, there have been glimpses of quality, particularly from Kevin Carlos, who netted a penalty against Fenerbahçe. The squad features a blend of youth and experience, with Dante marshalling the defense and Terem Moffi offering a physical presence up front. However, their inability to hold leads and close out games has become a recurring issue.

The tactical battle between Giráldez and Haise promises to be intriguing. Celta’s possession-heavy style, with over 50% average possession and high passing accuracy, contrasts sharply with Nice’s more direct approach. Both teams have shown vulnerability in transition, which could lead to an open contest. Injuries haven’t helped either side, with Nice missing key midfielders and Celta rotating heavily to manage fatigue. The match will be played at Balaídos, a venue where Celta tends to perform better, and the home crowd could provide a crucial edge. With both teams desperate for points to stay alive in the group stage, expect a tense and tactically nuanced encounter.

While neither side has been particularly dominant, Celta Vigo’s recent win and home advantage give them a slight edge heading into this fixture. Nice’s defensive frailties and lack of cohesion in midfield could be exploited by Aspas and company, especially if the Spanish side maintains their attacking tempo. Given the current form and squad dynamics, a narrow victory for Celta seems plausible. Our prediction leans toward a 2-1 scoreline in favor of the hosts, with Aspas likely to be involved in the decisive moments. It won’t be a walk in the park, but Celta’s momentum and tactical discipline should see them through.