Celta Vigo vs. Villarreal Prediction, Match Preview, and Betting Tips, 23 April 2025 - bettingexpert

Celta Vigo hosts Villarreal on 23 April 2025 at 18:00 in an exciting LaLiga clash at Abanca Balaidos. With both teams eager to secure crucial points as the season nears its conclusion, this match promises to deliver an intriguing battle.

Celta Vigo currently sits 8th in the league with 43 points, coming off a narrow 4-3 loss to league leaders Barcelona, where Borja Iglesias shone with a hat-trick. Villarreal, positioned 5th with 52 points, has also had a mixed run recently, drawing 2-2 with Real Sociedad.

Given Villarreal’s UEFA Champions League aspirations, they are highly motivated to bounce back and secure a win, aligning with our recommended bet: Villarreal to win.

Overall, expect a fiercely contested match as both teams aim to bolster their league standings.

Celta Vigo vs Villarreal Prediction & Betting tip

• Villarreal are highly motivated to secure three crucial points to maintain their position in the top 5, which aligns with their UEFA Champions League aspirations.
• With both teams scoring in their recent matches and Villarreal showing resilience, the ‘Submarino Amarillo’ are determined to bounce back after their recent 2-2 draw with Real Sociedad.
• Statistically, Villarreal have been consistent in scoring, finding the net in 84% of their matches this season, making them a strong candidate for victory.

Celta Vigo vs Villarreal Odds

With Celta Vigo given slight favoritism by the bookmakers, it indicates a closely contested match. Celta Vigo’s home record and their recent performance, including a dramatic 4-3 loss to Barcelona where Borja Iglesias scored a hat-trick, show their potential to challenge higher-ranked teams. However, Villarreal, currently fifth in the standings, are pushing hard for a top-four finish. Their motivations are high, needing every point to stay in the hunt for UEFA Champions League qualification. Expect a thrilling encounter at the Abanca Balaídos.

Celta Vigo Team Analysis

Celta Vigo Recent Performance

Celta Vigo has shown mixed form over their last five matches with two wins, one draw, and two losses. Their recent 4-3 defeat to Barcelona was a thriller, highlighted by a hat-trick from Borja Iglesias. In their last five games, Celta has averaged 1.40 goals per game and maintained one clean sheet. With an upcoming fixture against Villarreal, they will be looking to leverage their home advantage, having scored in 88% of their home games this season. However, their defensive frailties might be a concern.

Celta Vigo Key Players

Celta Vigo’s standout player is Borja Iglesias, their top scorer with eight goals this season. His hat-trick against Barcelona has demonstrated his ability to change a game single-handedly. Iglesias will undoubtedly be crucial in this match, especially against Villarreal’s strong defensive line.
In the midfield, Fran Beltrán and Ilaix Moriba will look to control the game with their energy and passing ability. Pablo Durán and Iker Losada can provide creativity and width, aiming to unlock Villarreal’s defense.

Expected lineup for Celta Vigo:

• Goalkeeper: Vicente Guaita
• Defenders: Javi Rodríguez, Yoel Lago, Marcos Alonso, Sergio Carreira
• Midfielders: Fran Beltrán, Ilaix Moriba, Pablo Durán, Iker Losada, Williot Swedberg
• Forward: Borja Iglesias

Key individual battles to watch include Iglesias against Villarreal centre-backs Juan Foyth and Logan Costa, which could prove pivotal.

Celta Vigo Suspensions & Injuries

Celta Vigo will be dealing with a couple of injuries as they face Villarreal. Here’s a look at the players they will miss and how it could impact the team:

With Jones El-Abdellaoui and Carl Starfelt sidelined, Celta will face a reduced depth in defense, which could be problematic against Villarreal’s offensive threats like Ayoze Perez. Their absence puts more pressure on the available defenders to step up, particularly Marcos Alonso and Javi Rodríguez.

Celta Vigo Tactics and Formation

Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-1-4-1
• Key Forward: Borja Iglesias
• Midfield Core: Fran Beltrán, Ilaix Moriba, Pablo Durán, Iker Losada, Williot Swedberg
• Defensive Line: Marcos Alonso, Yoel Lago, Javi Rodríguez, Sergio Carreira

Celta Vigo will line up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, aiming to balance both attack and defense. Borja Iglesias, fresh off a hat-trick against Barcelona, will be pivotal up front. Fran Beltrán will anchor the midfield, providing both defensive cover and opportunities to advance. The midfield quintet will focus on maintaining possession and creating chances for Iglesias.

Defensively, the absence of El-Abdellaoui and Starfelt means Marcos Alonso and Javi Rodríguez must step up. Celta’s strategy will likely involve exploiting Villarreal’s tendency to concede late goals, aiming to secure points in the closing stages.

Villarreal Team Analysis

Villarreal Recent Performance

Villarreal have demonstrated solid form in their recent outings, securing two wins, two draws, and a single loss in their last five matches. This stretch includes a hard-fought draw against Real Sociedad and impressive away victories over Real Betis and Getafe. However, they faced a narrow defeat against Real Madrid.

Recent Form: DWDWL
Villarreal have averaged 1.4 goals per game and managed a clean sheet in one of their last five matches. Their consistent performances keep them well in the race for a top-five finish.

Villarreal Key Players

Expected lineup for Villarreal:

• Goalkeeper: Luiz Júnior
• Defenders: Kiko Femenia, Juan Foyth, Logan Costa, Pau Navarro
• Midfielders: Yéremi Pino, Daniel Parejo, Santi Comesaña, Denis Suarez
• Attackers: Ayoze Perez, Thierno Barry

Ayoze Perez, Villarreal’s top scorer with 14 goals, is pivotal for their Champions League push. His striking capability will test Celta Vigo’s defense, especially Javi Rodríguez. Another crucial player, Daniel Parejo, orchestrates the midfield with his passing accuracy and vision. Denis Suarez’s ability on the left flank could create key chances.

Watch for the midfield battle between Parejo and Fran Beltrán, which will likely be a deciding factor in dominating possession and setting the game’s tempo.

Villarreal Suspensions & Injuries

Villarreal’s squad is facing a slew of injuries that could significantly impact their performance. Ilias Akhomach is out for the season, while key players like Raul Albiol, Tajon Buchanan, and Alejandro Baena are expected to return in early May.

Gerard Moreno’s status remains doubtful, adding to the concern. Sergi Cardona is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards, which leaves a gap in their defensive lineup. These absences could affect the team’s depth and versatility, making it challenging to maintain consistent performance levels.

Villarreal Tactics and Formation

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Tactical Breakdown:
• Defensive Line: In the absence of Sergi Cardona, Pau Navarro is likely to fill in at left back. This means Villarreal’s defense will be anchored by Logan Costa and Juan Foyth in the center, with Kiko Femenia on the right. They have maintained one clean sheet in the last five matches, showing moments of defensive solidity.
• Midfield Setup: Marcelino typically opts for a balanced 4-4-2. Daniel Parejo and Santi Comesaña will likely hold the central roles, providing both defensive cover and attacking support. Yéremi Pino and Denis Suarez will take up the flanks, aiming to provide width and crossing opportunities for the forwards.
• Attacking Strategy: Up front, Ayoze Perez and Thierno Barry will look to exploit Celta Vigo’s defense. Perez, being the top scorer with 14 goals, is the key forward, expected to lead the attack.
• Notable Strategy: Villarreal have a knack for scoring late goals, particularly between the 76th and 90th minutes. This trait could be pivotal in breaking down Celta Vigo’s defense in the closing stages of the game.

Celta Vigo vs Villarreal Head-to-Head Statistics

Recent encounters between these teams have been thrilling, with high-scoring matches and close outcomes. Villarreal seems to have an edge, winning three out of the last five meetings. Celta Vigo, however, managed a victory in their last home game against Villarreal, showing they can exploit home advantage effectively. Expect another exciting clash given their history.

Odds accurate as of 21/04/2025 18:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.