Celta Vigo vs Ath Bilbao Prediction & Betting Tips (14 December)

Traveling to the Bernabéu last weekend to challenge a reinvigorated Real Madrid after their success in Bilbao, Celta Vigo inflicted punishment on the Merengue by winning two goals to nothing. Vigo absolutely did not steal their victory and the two red cards from Carreras and Fran Garcia changed absolutely nothing to the merit of the Celticos, much better on the field than the Madrilenians. A very important success for Celta who had lost 2 of their last 3 previous matches in La Liga against Espanyol Barcelona 0-1 and Barça 2-4. This week, the local players hosted Bologna in the Europa League result to come. A match that was also crucial since the Galician club lost its last European performance against Ludogorets 3-2.

 For its part, Athletic Bilbao met Paris SG this week at home, results to come. In order to prepare for this meeting against the reigning European champions, the Lions simply crossed swords with Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid last week. If against Real Madrid the affair did not end well with a 3-0 defeat, the reaction was positive against the Colchoneros 1-0 victory. In La Liga, Ernesto Valverde's men have won 3 of their last 5 matches and they are finding momentum in the fight for the top 6 and European qualification. 

At Celta Vigo, injured defender Ristic will most likely be missing. Otherwise, the precious Borja Iglesias (5 goals, 2 assists in La Liga), Bryan Zaragoza (decisive passer against Madrid), Pablo Duran (2 goals in La Liga), Iago Aspas (2 pawns, 2 assists) will be present. The same will be true of the man of the match against Real Madrid, Swedberg, who scored twice coming off the bench. Opposite, Ernesto Valverde could cope without Aymeric Laporte, who was injured against Atlético Madrid and absent for the PSG reception. Suspended for doping, Yeray Alvarez will no longer play until further notice. Egiluz and Ben Prados are also recovering while Robert Navarro, Moroccan international Sannadi and Ghana international Inaki Williams are still on the sidelines (injured).

Offensively, boys like Berenguer (1 goal, 2 assists in La Liga), Nico Williams (3 goals, 2 goals), Guruzeta and playmaker Oihan Sancet will a priori all be at the disposal of their coach. The probable line-ups for Celta Vigo - Athletic Bilbao: Celta Vigo: Radu - Rodriguez, Starfelt, Alonso - Rueda, Roman, Moriba (or Beltran), Carreira (or Mingueza) - Swedberg, Iglesias, Zaragoza. Athletic Bilbao: Simon - Areso (or Lekue), Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche (or Boiro) - Galarreta, Jauregizar - Berenguer, Sancet, N.Williams - Guruzeta.