Giráldez has his starting XI clear for Mestalla debut

Claudio Giráldez has worked through the preparations and already has a fairly defined lineup for the Saturday clash at Mestalla against Valencia, according to MARCA. The Celta coach appears to have nine positions practically locked in for a match that opens the season under maximum pressure.

The defensive base, settled

Radu will take the goalkeeper position without question. At the back, Javi Rodríguez and Marcos Alonso are the certain centre-backs, while Carl Starfelt is shaping up as the third — the Swede, already recovered and with another week's training under his belt, has the edge over Yoel Lago. Javi Rueda and Sergio Carreira will occupy the flanks.

Midfield would be formed by Miguel Román and Aleix Febas, with Ilaix Moriba still awaiting a possible exit that conditions his playing time options.

Attack with options open

In the forward line, the trio is made up of Iago Aspas, Williot Swedberg and Ferran Jutglà, though Giráldez doesn't rule out Hugo González — with first-team status after proving the preseason revelation and the team's top scorer over summer. Borja Iglesias is in his plans, but with only a second week still incomplete, he likely won't start the opener.

Celta face three matches in eight days as they kick off, so rotation will be constant in the coming lineups.