Celta Vigo vs Athletic Bilbao Preview: Predictions Lineups and Team News
Athletic Bilbao and Celta Vigo prepare for a crucial La Liga match this Sunday. The match follows Athletic’s recent Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain, while Celta aims to build on their victory against Real Madrid.
Celta Vigo vs Athletic Bilbao Match Preview
Celta Vigo currently holds the 10th position in La Liga, having accumulated 19 points from 15 matches. Their record includes four wins, seven draws, and four defeats. The team is five points away from a European qualifying spot.
- Last match: Celta Vigo 2-0 Real Madrid
- Recent Europa League result: Celta 1-2 Bologna
- Last five matches against Athletic: 1 win, 4 losses
Despite this, Celta is looking to turn around their recent poor record against Athletic Bilbao. They have not beaten Athletic in their last five encounters, making this match even more critical for their morale.
Athletic Bilbao’s Standing
Athletic Bilbao is currently placed 7th in the La Liga table with 23 points from 16 matches. Their season record includes seven wins, two draws, and seven losses. This position leaves them eight points shy of Champions League football.
- Recent match: Athletic 0-0 Paris Saint-Germain
- Recent league form: Two wins in the last three matches
To secure a playoff spot in the Champions League, Athletic must improve their scoring, having netted only 15 goals this season.
Team News and Potential Lineups
Both teams face several injury concerns ahead of the match.
Celta Vigo Injuries
- Joseph Aidoo – Injured
- Pablo Duran – Injured
- Bryan Zaragoza – Late fitness test
Coach Claudio Giraldez may consider introducing Iago Aspas and Hugo Alvarez to strengthen the attack, while Borja Iglesias looks set to retain his place, having scored eight goals this season.
Athletic Bilbao Injuries
- Benat Prados – Injured
- Yeray Alvarez – Injured
- Unai Egiluz – Injured
- Maroan Sannadi – Injured
- Aymeric Laporte – Injured
- Robert Navarro – Doubtful
Inaki Williams may feature from the bench after returning from injury, while Nico Williams is expected to start. Gorka Guruzeta will likely lead the forward line.
Match Prediction
The match is anticipated to be tightly contested. Both teams are searching for crucial points in their respective pursuits. Celta, despite struggling at home, has managed draws in five of their last eight home games. A prediction sees the match ending in a 1-1 draw, reflecting both teams’ current forms and aspirations.
