The Matchday 16 LaLiga fixture between Celta and Athletic will take place on December 14 at the Balaídos Stadium in Vigo. Celta – Athletic: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Celta
Since November, Celta have alternated wins and defeats in LaLiga, but in the last round the Galicians produced a shock 2-0 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. Prior to that, Celta had not beaten Real at the Bernabéu in LaLiga since 2006. The clean sheet was their second in three LaLiga games, after a run in which they had conceded in 14 straight matches in the competition. The historic win in Madrid has improved their league position: Celta are now 10th and sit closer to the European places than to 18th.
- Celta have scored in 13 of their last 14 LaLiga matches.
- At least two goals were scored in 15 of Celta’s last 17 LaLiga games.
- The team have conceded in each of their last 10 home LaLiga matches.
Predicted Celta lineup (3-4-3)*
Andrei Radu – Carl Starfelt, Javi Rodriguez, Marcos Alonso – Sergio Carreira, Miguel Román, Ilaix Moriba, Óscar Mingueza – Pablo Durán, Brian Zaragoza, Borja Iglesias.
Defender Joseph Aidoo and forward Pablo Durán are unavailable due to injury. The participation of defender Carlos Domínguez is in doubt.
Athletic
Like Celta, Athletic have been inconsistent in LaLiga of late. A week ago they beat Atlético Madrid 1-0, but prior to that the Basques had mostly been getting results only against relegation rivals and had slipped up even when clear favourites. Nonetheless, the team look sharper now than they did in September and October. Athletic sit seventh in the table, one point shy of the European places.
- In five of Athletic’s last seven league matches, at least one side failed to score.
- Their run in the competition currently stands at seven matches (3 wins, 4 defeats).
- At least two goals were scored in five of Athletic’s last seven away LaLiga games.
Predicted Athletic lineup (4-2-3-1)
Unai Simón – Yuri Berchiche, Aymeric Laporte, Aitor Paredes, Jesús Areso – Mikel Haurregizar, Íñigo Ruiz de Galarreta – Nico Williams, Oihan Sancet, Álex Berenguer – Gorka Guruzeta.
Unavailable through injury: defenders Aymeric Laporte and Unai Ehilus, midfielders Beñat Prados and Robert Navarro, and forward Maroan Sannadi.
Prediction for Celta vs Athletic
Celta arrive in better spirits after a landmark victory at the Bernabéu and have shown signs of stabilising defensively, keeping two clean sheets in three LaLiga games. Athletic, meanwhile, have been hit-and-miss and typically perform less effectively away from home. Given Celta’s recent confidence and Athletic’s inconsistent away form, the hosts look preferable for this meeting.
Celta to win or draw
*The starting lineup for each team refers to their previous match in this competition.