Celta Vigo vs Real Sociedad Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Spanish Primera
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
When is Celta Vigo vs Real Sociedad on and what time does it start? Celta Vigo vs Real Sociedad will take place on Saturday 20th January, 2024 – 20:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Celta Vigo vs Real Sociedad? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Celta Vigo vs Real Sociedad on in the UK? Celta Vigo vs Real Sociedad will be televised live on LaLigaTV, but La Liga matches are also televised occasionally on Viaplay Sports and ITV
Where can I stream Celta Vigo vs Real Sociedad in the UK? Celta Vigo vs Real Sociedad can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
CELTA VIGO
Rafa Benitez has been under pressure in charge of Celta Vigo for quite some time now but the former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager remains in charge of the Galicians as we head into the second-half of the 2023/24 campaign. They begin the weekend sitting outside of the bottom three and the relegation places after some much-improved recent form.
They come into this one on the back of a another impressive performance and result as they defeated Valencia by three goals to one in the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey in midweek. That means they have suffered just one defeat in their last ten matches across all competitions. They are moving themselves away from the danger zone.
REAL SOCIEDAD
Imanol Aguacil described Real Sociedad’s arch-rivals, Athletic Club, as the ‘best team in the country’ after La Real were dismantled by Athletic in the Basque Derby last weekend. Aguacil’s side, though, recovered well from that defeat by comfortably defeating Osasuna by two goals to nil in the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey.
It has been a trend for Real Sociedad to drift significantly in the second-half of seasons as they are one of the most intense and most energetic teams in European football. That might just be kicking in as they sit outside of the top four and the UEFA Champions League spots with that Basque Derby loss following on from three successive draws.
THE TEAM NEWS
CELTA VIGO
Jonathan Bamba is away at the Africa Cup of Nations, whilst Ivan Villar is missing this weekend’s visit of Real Sociedad through suspension. Both Franco Cervi and Joseph Aidoo are also unavailable as they are out injured.
PREDICTED XI (5-3-2): Guaita; Mingueza, Jailson, Nunez, Dominguez, Sanchez; Perez, Tapia, Dotor; Aspas, Strand Larsen
UNAVAILABLE: Bamba (International duty), Villar (Suspended), Cervi (Injured), Aidoo (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
REAL SOCIEDAD
There are lots of concerns for Imanol Aguacil with Andre Silva, Ander Barrenetxea, Aritz Elustondo and Martin Zubimendi all doubtful with Umar Sadiq injured and the likes of Takefusa Kubo and Ham Traore away on international duty.
PREDICTED XI (4-1-4-1): Marrero; Odriozola, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Tierney; Zubimendi; Zakharyan, Mendez, Merino, Barrenetxea; Oyarzabal
UNAVAILABLE: Kubo (International duty), Sadiq (Injured), Traore (International duty), Merquelanz (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Silva (Injured), Barrenetxea (Injured), Elustondo (Injured), Zubimendi (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
Celta Vigo are making themselves extremely difficult to beat at the moment and their performances have actually been relatively strong throughout the campaign. They were underperforming their performances earlier in the season and appear to have reverted to the mean. They face a Real Sociedad side that are in some poor form at the moment, potentially tiring and lacking several key first-teamers so, as a result, a double chance bet in favour of Celta, especially with their home advantage, would appear a smart bet for this one.
TIP: DOUBLE CHANCE – CELTA TO WIN OR DRAW
