Celta Vigo vs. Real Betis Prediction, Match Preview, and Betting Tips, 8 February 2025 - bettingexpert
This Saturday’s LaLiga fixture features Celta Vigo taking on Real Betis at Abanca Balaidos for the 23rd round. With Celta Vigo positioned 13th with 25 points and Real Betis in 10th with 29 points, this match holds significance for both teams aiming to climb the standings.
Celta Vigo is struggling, having failed to secure a win in their last five games (LDLLL). Their odds to win stand at 2.27, with Iago Aspas’ absence due to an injury impacting their offensive capability. Their next opponent is Atletico Madrid, making a win at home vital to gain some momentum.
Real Betis, coming off a 2-2 draw with Athletic Bilbao, sees new signing Antony recognized for his outstanding debut. With key injuries to players like William Carvalho, Betis is also not at full strength but remains resilient.
Recommended bet: Draw with odds at 3.5 is sensible given both teams’ recent propensity for sharing points in their encounters.
Celta Vigo vs Real Betis Prediction & Betting Tip
Our recommended betting tip for this match is a draw. Here’s why:
| Celta Vigo vs Real Betis Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting Tip | Odds |
| Draw | 3.5 |
- Both Celta Vigo and Real Betis have shown a tendency to draw in recent games, indicating a close matchup.
- The home team is winless in its last five matches, struggling to find form.
- Real Betis, although slightly higher in the standings, have experienced a rollercoaster of results, making it tough to predict a win for them.
This should be an evenly contested game, making a draw a sensible bet.
Celta Vigo vs Real Betis Odds
| Celta Vigo vs Real Betis Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Celta Vigo | 2.27 |
| Draw | 3.28 |
| Real Betis | 3.18 |
Given the odds, Celta Vigo is slightly favored to win according to the bookmakers. However, Real Betis’ odds also reflect a strongly competitive match, hinting at an unpredictable outcome.
The potential for a draw at 3.28 looks like an attractive bet given both teams’ recent form, with neither side demonstrating dominance. Taking into account their recent performances and historical head-to-head results, betting on a draw might be the most reasonable option here.
Celta Vigo Team Analysis
Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Valencia | Celta Vigo | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Deportivo Alaves | Celta Vigo | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Celta Vigo | Athletic Club | 1-2 (Loss) |
| Real Madrid | Celta Vigo | 2-2 (Draw)* |
| Rayo Vallecano | Celta Vigo | 2-1 (Loss) |
Recent Form: LDLLL
Celta Vigo have been struggling for consistency, failing to win in their last five matches. They have averaged 1.2 goals per match in this period but have not managed a single clean sheet. Their defense is a cause for concern, having conceded, particularly late in games. With key players like Iago Aspas and Franco Cervi injured, and suspensions to Carl Starfelt and Ilaix Moriba, Manager Claudio Giráldez faces a challenging task. Aspas’ absence is a significant blow, given his top goal-scoring record for the club this season.
Celta Vigo Key Players
Celta Vigo will be relying heavily on Borja Iglesias and Pablo Durán in the absence of their top scorer Iago Aspas, who is sidelined with a foot injury. Borja Iglesias, leading the line for Celta, has shown potential in front of goal but will need to convert chances more effectively.
Pablo Durán, positioned on the right flank, will look to exploit the defensive gaps of Betis.
In midfield, Fran Beltrán and Williot Swedberg are crucial for linking play and ensuring ball retention. Defensively, Javi Rodríguez and Carlos Domínguez must stay solid to counter Real Betis’ attacks, particularly from Antony and Isco’s combination play.
Expected lineup for Celta Vigo:
- Goalkeeper: Vicente Guaita
- Defenders: Javi Rodríguez, Yoel Lago, Marcos Alonso, Oscar Mingueza
- Midfielders: Fran Beltrán, Hugo Sotelo, Hugo Álvarez
- Forwards: Pablo Durán, Borja Iglesias, Alfonso Gonzalez
Celta Vigo Suspensions & Injuries
Celta Vigo faces a challenging situation with key players missing due to injuries and suspensions.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Iago Aspas | Foot injury | Late February 2025 |
| Franco Cervi | Muscle injury | Late February 2025 |
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Carl Starfelt | Yellow cards | 1 match remaining |
| Ilaix Moriba | Yellow cards | 1 match remaining |
These absences will likely impact their ability to maintain solidity in defense and creativity up front. Aspas, the top scorer, is a significant loss for the attacking threat, while the suspensions of Starfelt and Moriba will weaken their defensive and midfield capabilities, respectively. Celta Vigo must rely on their depth to navigate these challenges.
Celta Vigo Tactics and Formation
Celta Vigo Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Forward: Borja Iglesias
Despite missing key players like Iago Aspas and Franco Cervi, Celta Vigo is expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation. They will rely heavily on Borja Iglesias to lead the attack, flanked by Pablo Durán and Alfonso Gonzalez.
Midfield Trio:
- Fran Beltrán
- Hugo Sotelo
- Hugo Álvarez
Defensive Setup:
- Javi Rodríguez and Marcos Alonso are set to operate as center-backs, shielding Vicente Guaita in goal.
- Offensive Strategy: Focus on scoring in the 76-90 minute interval, their most productive phase.
- Defensive Vulnerability: Historically, they have conceded the most in the 61-75 and 76-90 minute intervals.
Without Aspas, their top scorer, creativity might be an issue in attack, but they will count on their midfield resilience to maintain possession and feed the forward line.
Real Betis Team Analysis
Real Betis Recent Performance
Real Betis have experienced a mix of results lately, securing one win, one draw, and suffering three losses in their last five games.
Recent Form: DWLLL
This inconsistency can be partly attributed to a combination of challenging fixtures and a few critical injuries. They averaged 1.0 goals per match over these five games and managed to keep one clean sheet.
Here’s a look at their recent results:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Real Betis | Athletic Club | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Mallorca | Real Betis | 0-1 (Win) |
| Real Betis | Deportivo Alaves | 1-3 (Loss) |
| Barcelona | Real Betis | 5-1 (Loss) |
| Real Valladolid | Real Betis | 1-0 (Loss) |
Real Betis have been resilient, managing to draw against strong teams like Athletic Club. However, they need to address their defensive issues, especially after the heavy defeat to Barcelona.
With stars like Giovani Lo Celso and Isco, Betis have the potential to bounce back, but consistency will be key moving forward.
Real Betis Key Players
Real Betis will be leaning heavily on their star players as they take on Celta Vigo. Key among them is Giovani Lo Celso, their top scorer with 7 goals this season. His creative play and knack for finding the back of the net will be pivotal for Betis.
The potential battles to watch include Cedric Bakambu against Celta’s defense. Bakambu’s pace and skill could cause real issues for Celta’s backline, especially with Carl Starfelt suspended.
Isco, playing in the attacking midfield role, will be tasked with unlocking Celta’s defense. His vision and experience make him a significant threat.
Expected lineup for Real Betis:
- Goalkeeper: Adrian
- Defenders: Ángel Ortiz, Diego Llorente, Natan Souza, Romain Perraud
- Midfielders: Johnny, Sergi Altimira, Antony Matheus dos Santos, Isco, Giovani Lo Celso
- Attackers: Cedric Bakambu
With these key players, Real Betis has the tools to make their mark on the game.
Real Betis Suspensions & Injuries
Injuries have plagued Real Betis ahead of their matchup against Celta Vigo. Here’s a summary of their current situation:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| William Carvalho | Cruciate ligament injury | Late March 2025 |
| Hector Bellerin | Contusion | Doubtful |
| Nobel Mendy | Knee injury | Mid-February 2025 |
| Aitor Ruibal García | Ankle injury | Mid-February 2025 |
| Pablo Fornals | Muscle injury | Mid-February 2025 |
These injuries could significantly impact Betis’ squad depth, especially in their defence and midfield. Key players like William Carvalho and Hector Bellerin being sidelined may force Manuel Pellegrini to reshuffle his formation and strategies.
No suspensions currently affect the Real Betis squad, providing them some stability in team selection despite their injury woes. This may allow them to field a more consistent and familiar XI against Celta Vigo.
Real Betis Tactics and Formation
Real Betis Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- This setup allows flexibility in both attack and defence.
- Key Forward: Cedric Bakambu
- As the centre forward, Bakambu will be crucial in leading the offensive plays.
- Midfield Structure: Johnny, Sergi Altimira, Isco, Giovani Lo Celso
- With Johnny and Sergi Altimira holding the defensive midfield, Isco and Giovani Lo Celso can push forward to create chances.
- Defensive Line: Ángel Ortiz, Diego Llorente, Natan Souza, Romain Perraud
- This backline has shown consistency, contributing to Betis’ single clean sheet in the last five games.
- Notable Strategy: Strong performance in the first half
- Real Betis tends to have better defensive stability and attacking threats early in the game.
Expect Manuel Pellegrini to focus on maintaining a balanced approach, leveraging Isco’s playmaking alongside Bakambu’s finishing abilities.
Celta Vigo vs Real Betis Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Real Betis | Celta Vigo | 2-2 |
| Real Betis | Celta Vigo | 2-1 |
| Celta Vigo | Real Betis | 2-1 |
| Real Betis | Celta Vigo | 3-4 |
| Celta Vigo | Real Betis | 1-0 |
These recent encounters have seen an exciting mixture of results, including narrow wins and high-scoring draws. Celta Vigo has shown strength at home, winning the last match 2-1.
Expect another closely contested fixture given the history.
Odds are accurate as of 06.02.2025 13:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
