Celta Vigo vs. Athletic Club Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 19 January 2025 - bettingexpert

We’re set for an intriguing LaLiga clash at Abanca Balaidos as 12th-placed Celta Vigo hosts 4th-placed Athletic Club. Kick-off is at 13:00, and with referee Miguel Ortiz officiating, this match promises to deliver some captivating football.

Celta Vigo, despite sitting mid-table with 24 points, have had a roller-coaster season. Their recent 5-2 defeat to Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey highlighted both their resilience and susceptibility. Injuries to key players like Iago Aspas and Marcos Alonso will be a hurdle for Claudio Giráldez’s side. Their last 5 results (LLWWL) show inconsistency, but they have scored in 84% of their matches this season.

Athletic Club, on the other hand, are chasing Champions League qualification. Ernesto Valverde’s men are currently in fine form despite recent defeats to Osasuna and Barcelona, boasting an unbeaten streak until their last match. With 36 points, they have the upper hand, and their solid defense, conceding just 0.8 goals on average per game, will be crucial.

The match is expected to be evenly balanced, potentially resulting in a draw, with bets on a draw having favorable odds of 3.22. Celta’s inconsistency and missing key players versus Athletic’s steadier form make this a compelling fixture.

Celta Vigo vs Athletic Club Prediction & Betting Tip

Our top betting recommendation for this match is a Draw. This prediction is backed by the competitive dynamics between the two sides and their current form.

Celta Vigo vs Athletic Club Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Draw	3.22

• Both teams have experienced a mix of results recently, indicating it might be difficult for either side to dominate the match completely.
• Celta Vigo will be without key player Iago Aspas, reducing their attacking threat against Athletic Club’s solid defense.
• Athletic Club remains unbeaten in their last 5 matches, showcasing their steadiness and ability to secure points even in challenging fixtures.

Celta Vigo vs Athletic Club Odds

With the match between Celta Vigo and Athletic Club approaching, the bookmakers have outlined their odds, indicating a tightly contested match. Here’s a quick look:

Celta Vigo vs Athletic Club Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Celta Vigo	2.80
Draw	3.10
Athletic Club	2.64

Both teams will be aiming to secure valuable points. Celta Vigo will try to make the most of their home advantage despite missing their top scorer, Iago Aspas. In contrast, Athletic Club, who are the bookmakers’ slight favourites, will look to capitalize on their recent strong form.

The odds suggest we’re in for a closely contested match.

Celta Vigo Team Analysis

Celta Vigo Recent Performance

Celta Vigo’s recent form has been quite the rollercoaster, with their last five matches yielding mixed results. Here’s how they have fared lately:

Home team	Away team	Result
Real Madrid	Celta Vigo	5-2 (Loss)
Rayo Vallecano	Celta Vigo	2-1 (Loss)
Racing Santander	Celta Vigo	2-3 (Win)
Celta Vigo	Real Sociedad	2-0 (Win)
Sevilla	Celta Vigo	1-0 (Loss)

Despite being inconsistent, Celta Vigo have managed to score in 84% of their matches this season and are averaging 1.60 goals per game in their last five outings. However, defensive frailties remain, with only one clean sheet in the same period.

The recent comeback against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey, though ending in a loss, showed their fighting spirit, indicating Claudio Giráldez’s side is up for the challenge, despite missing key players like Iago Aspas.

Celta Vigo Key Players

With Iago Aspas sidelined, Borja Iglesias will be crucial upfront for Celta Vigo. Known as their top scorer, Aspas’ absence means the burden falls on Iglesias, who looks to fill his boots. Another player to watch is Fran Beltrán, the linchpin in midfield who ensures the team’s balance and defensive robustness.

Defensively, Carl Starfelt and Javi Rodríguez must be rock-solid to fend off the attacking prowess of Iñaki and Nico Williams. In goal, Vicente Guaita will be pivotal in organizing the backline and pulling off key saves.

Expected lineup for Celta Vigo:

• Goalkeeper: Vicente Guaita
• Defenders: Carlos Domínguez, Javi Rodríguez, Carl Starfelt, Óscar Mingueza
• Midfielders: Fran Beltrán, Ilaix Moriba, Hugo Álvarez
• Attackers: Pablo Durán, Borja Iglesias, Jonathan Bamba

Celta Vigo Suspensions & Injuries

Celta Vigo will face Athletic Club with several key absences that might significantly influence their performance.

Injuries:

Player	Injury	Expected return
Jailson	Hamstring Injury	Back in training
Fer López	Ankle injury	Late January 2025
Iago Aspas	Foot injury	Early February 2025
Alfonso González	Thigh injury	Early February 2025
Marcos Alonso	Ankle injury	Early February 2025
Mihailo Ristić	Thigh injury	Doubtful

Suspensions:

Player	Suspension	Expected return
Marcos Alonso	Yellow/red card	1 match

With leading scorer Iago Aspas sidelined, Celta Vigo will be missing a vital attacking threat. Additionally, the absence of Marcos Alonso due to suspension and injury weakens their defense. Other injured players like Alfonso González and Fer López also complicate team selection. This could force coach Claudio Giráldez to rely on less experienced players against a strong Athletic Club side.

Celta Vigo Tactics and Formation

Celta Vigo Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Borja Iglesias
• Midfield Trio: Fran Beltrán, Ilaix Moriba, Hugo Álvarez
• Defensive Backbone: Carl Starfelt, Javi Rodríguez

With Iago Aspas out due to a foot injury, Celta Vigo will rely heavily on Borja Iglesias to lead the line.
The midfield will likely feature the energetic Fran Beltrán and the promising talent Ilaix Moriba, providing a mix of defensive sturdiness and creative flair.
Defensively, Carl Starfelt and Javi Rodríguez form a solid pairing, which is crucial in the absence of Marcos Alonso due to suspension.
Celta’s objective will be to maintain possession and break on the counter, exploiting the pace of wide forwards Pablo Durán and Jonathan Bamba. Their 4-3-3 formation aims to remain compact in defense while being versatile in the transition to attack.

Athletic Club Team Analysis

Athletic Club Recent Performance

Athletic Club’s recent form showcases a mix of results with two losses, two wins, and one draw in their last five matches. Here’s a breakdown of their recent performances:

Home team	Away team	Result
Athletic Club	Osasuna	2-3 (Loss)
Athletic Club	Barcelona	0-2 (Loss)
Logrones	Athletic Club	0-0 (Win on Penalties)
Osasuna	Athletic Club	1-2 (Win)
Deportivo Alaves	Athletic Club	1-1 (Draw)

In terms of recent performances, Athletic Club scored an average of 1.8 goals per game in their last five matches, showcasing their offensive capabilities. However, they have not kept a clean sheet, indicating a leaky defense at times.

Despite this, Athletic Club maintains a strong league position, holding the 4th spot in LaLiga, and will aim to bounce back from recent defeats while tightening their defense.

Athletic Club Key Players

Expected lineup for Athletic Club:

• Goalkeeper: Unai Simón
• Defenders: Óscar de Marcos, Daniel Vivian, Aitor Paredes, Yuri Berchiche
• Midfielders: Beñat Prados, Mikel Jauregizar, Iñaki Williams, Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams
• Forward: Gorka Guruzeta

Key players for Athletic Club include:

• Oihan Sancet, their top scorer with 7 goals this season, will be crucial in breaking through Celta Vigo’s defence.
• On the wings, the Williams brothers, Iñaki and Nico, provide speed and creativity, challenging Celta’s full-backs.
• At the back, Unai Simón is a reliable presence in goal, capable of making key saves to keep his team in the game.

Key battles to watch:

• Sancet vs Celta’s centre-backs: Will he find space and create scoring opportunities?
• The Williams brothers vs Celta’s full-backs: Can they use their pace to exploit gaps?

These players will likely be influential in determining the outcome of the match.

Athletic Club Suspensions & Injuries

Player	Injury	Expected return
No injuries reported

Athletic Club comes into this game with a relatively clean bill of health, which is crucial for maintaining consistency during a congested fixture schedule.

Without any suspensions or injuries affecting key players, Ernesto Valverde will have the luxury of fielding his strongest XI. This is particularly advantageous given their busy schedule and aspirations to secure a Champions League spot.

Athletic Club Tactics and Formation

Athletic Club’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Gorka Guruzeta
• Attacking Trio: Iñaki Williams, Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams
• Defensive Line: Óscar de Marcos, Daniel Vivian, Aitor Paredes, Yuri Berchiche

Athletic Club will likely stick to their effective 4-2-3-1 formation, which provides a solid balance between defense and attack. The central attacking threat will be Gorka Guruzeta, supported by the dynamic trio of the Williams brothers and Sancet, who is also their top scorer this season.

In defense, the notable pairing of Vivian and Paredes has been crucial, contributing to their impressive record of conceding only 0.8 goals on average per match.

Their strategy often involves quick transitions, leveraging the pace of Iñaki and Nico Williams, especially during the 61-75 minute interval when opponents might show signs of tiring.

Celta Vigo vs Athletic Club Head-to-Head Statistics

Home	Away	Result
Celta Vigo	Athletic Club	2-1

While the head-to-head history between Celta Vigo and Athletic Club is not extensively detailed here, we do know that the last time these two teams met at Abanca Balaídos, Celta Vigo secured a narrow 2-1 victory.
Athletic Club will be looking for revenge and will hope their recent form plays to their advantage. Both teams have shown a mix of resilience and vulnerabilities this season, making this encounter an intriguing contest.

Odds accurate as of 17.01.2025 13:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.