Ceuta
Las PalmasBy Anthony Balogun — Football expert covering Nordic, Baltic and African leagues
The gulf in squad strength and financial muscle between Ceuta and Las Palmas is hard to ignore. The hosts have been plagued by inconsistency lately, making it a tall order to overcome a well-drilled opponent even on home soil. Las Palmas, for their part, also hit a rough patch recently but have since steadied the ship, kicking off the new season with real authority. Their head-to-head record adds to the narrative: in their last meeting, they dismantled Ceuta 4-0. The question now is whether the visitors can pocket another three points this time around.
Ceuta’s start to the Segunda División campaign was nothing short of disastrous, as they suffered a crushing 1-5 defeat at the hands of Andorra. Their pre-season friendlies painted a mixed picture: they managed to beat Málaga (2-1) and Cádiz (3-1), but fell short against Sevilla (1-2) and Juventud Torremolinos (0-1). While the home side tries to play with attacking intent, glaring defensive frailties undermine any ambitions they might have against higher-caliber opposition. The backline looks porous, and against a team like Las Palmas, those gaps could prove fatal.
Las Palmas hit the ground running in the Segunda, overcoming a stubborn Albacete side 2-1 in the opening round. Their summer preparations were equally encouraging: they beat a strong Cádiz (3-1) and Portuguese outfit Leiria (3-2), though they lost to Saudi clubs Neom SC (0-1) and Al-Ittihad (1-2). The islanders boast a more balanced squad and carry the experience of playing in the top flight. Their performance in the first official match showed they are well-prepared and ready to compete.
Playing in front of their own fans, Ceuta will be desperate to bounce back from that opening rout and get their first points on the board. Las Palmas, meanwhile, aim to build on their winning start and climb the table by securing their first away victory of the season.
Ceuta will be without defender Caparrós, but either Mas or Hernández can step in to fill the void. For Las Palmas, defender Clemente and forwards García Mejías and Vití are sidelined with injuries. Their places are expected to be taken by Álex Suárez, Jesé, and Betancor. The visitors have grown accustomed to these absences, so their overall structure should remain intact.
Main prediction: Las Palmas to win with a handicap (0) at odds of 1.68
Las Palmas are in decent form, having won three of their last four matches, and look ready to keep that momentum going. Ceuta, for all their fighting spirit, have been erratic—they’ve lost three of their last five games. Even at home, we don’t expect a commanding display from the hosts. The smart play is to back Las Palmas with a zero handicap at 1.68. We estimate the probability of this outcome at 61% (anything above 1.60 is considered playable).
Total goals prediction: Over 2.5 goals at odds of 2.08
Both teams have shown a willingness to play open, attacking football this summer, creating plenty of chances but also leaving themselves exposed at the back. Over two goals have been scored in four of Ceuta’s last five matches and in four of Las Palmas’ previous five fixtures. We expect another high-scoring affair. The over 2.5 goals market is priced at 2.08, with a probability of 52% (anything above 1.92 is considered playable).
The editorial prediction is provided for informational purposes only and should not be treated as a direct call to action. Every reader should do their own analysis before deciding on a bet.
Predictions for Ceuta vs Las Palmas will appear soon.
The match takes place on 22 August 2026 at 18:00, with Ceuta hosting Las Palmas in LaLiga 2.
Las Palmas are the clear favorites. The main prediction is a Las Palmas win with a handicap (0) at odds of 1.68, reflecting their superior form and squad depth.
The main prediction is Las Palmas to win with a handicap (0) at 1.68. Additionally, over 2.5 total goals is recommended at 2.08, given both teams' attacking styles and defensive vulnerabilities.
Ceuta will be without defender Caparrós. Las Palmas are missing defender Clemente and forwards García Mejías and Vití, but their replacements are expected to step in without major disruption.
Ceuta started the season with a heavy 1-5 loss to Andorra, while Las Palmas won their opener 2-1 against Albacete. Pre-season also showed mixed results for Ceuta and solid form for Las Palmas.
In their most recent head-to-head, Las Palmas defeated Ceuta 4-0, highlighting a significant gap in quality between the sides.