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Celta Vigo vs Athletic Bilbao: Prediction, Betting Tips & Match Preview | Jan 19, 2025

The Estadio Abanca-Balaídos will be the venue for a La Liga clash as Celta Vigo take on Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 1 PM UK time. Celta, sitting 12th in the table with 24 points, are aiming to bounce back from a recent defeat, while Athletic Bilbao, in 4th with 36 points, are looking to extend their unbeaten run to 11 league games. Celta come into this match after a 2-1 loss to Rayo Vallecano, while Athletic Bilbao secured a 2-1 victory over Osasuna. With both teams in need of points, this promises to be an intriguing encounter.


Team Analysis:

Celta Vigo:

Celta Vigo have been inconsistent this season, with their form dipping in recent weeks. They come into this match winless in their last two league games.

  • Current Form: Celta’s last outing was a 2-1 defeat to Rayo Vallecano, where they failed to build on their early lead. This followed a 5-2 defeat to Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey, leaving them winless in their last two matches.
  • Key Players: Iago Aspas (6 goals) has been the standout performer in attack, while Borja Iglesias (5 goals) provides additional firepower. Fran Beltrán is a key figure in midfield.
  • Injuries: Celta will be without Marcos Alonso (suspended), while Alfon GonzálezTadeo AllendeJailson, and Iago Aspas are facing late fitness tests.
  • Home Form: Celta have been strong at home, with six wins, two draws, and two losses in their 10 league games at the Estadio Abanca-Balaídos this season.
Athletic Bilbao:

Athletic Bilbao have been in excellent form this season, with their unbeaten run in La Liga stretching to 10 games. They come into this match looking to extend that run.

  • Current Form: Athletic Bilbao’s last outing was a 2-1 victory over Osasuna, where they fought back from a goal down to secure the win. This followed a 3-2 loss to Osasuna in the Copa del Rey, leaving them unbeaten in their last 10 league matches.
  • Key Players: Oihan Sancet (7 goals) has been crucial in attack, while Nico Williams and Iñaki Williams provide creativity on the wings. Gorka Guruzeta is a key figure in attack.
  • Injuries: Athletic Bilbao will be without Oihan Sancet (muscular problem), but they are otherwise in good shape.
  • Away Form: Athletic Bilbao have been decent on the road, with five wins, three draws, and two losses in their 10 away league games this season.

Head-to-Head and Past Encounters:

Athletic Bilbao have had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning the last two La Liga meetings against Celta Vigo. The reverse fixture in September saw Athletic Bilbao secure a 3-1 victory, with goals from Gorka Guruzeta and Álvaro Djaló. Celta’s last win in this fixture came in May 2023, highlighting their struggles against Athletic Bilbao.


Prediction:

Athletic Bilbao’s superior form and unbeaten run make them slight favourites for this clash. Celta’s injury woes and inconsistent form further tilt the scales in Athletic Bilbao’s favour. Expect a closely contested game, but Athletic Bilbao should edge it.

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Celta Vigo 1-2 Athletic Bilbao


Betting Tips:

  • Both Teams to Score: Yes
    (Both teams have shown defensive vulnerabilities, and Celta’s attack can trouble Athletic Bilbao.)
  • Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over
    (Athletic Bilbao’s attacking style and Celta’s need for points suggest an open game.)
  • Anytime Goalscorer: Gorka Guruzeta (Athletic Bilbao)
    (The forward has been in fine form and is a constant threat.)

Hot Stat:

Athletic Bilbao are unbeaten in their last 10 La Liga matches, their longest unbeaten run in the league since 2014.


Possible Lineups:

Celta Vigo: Guaita; Mingueza, Starfelt, Domínguez, Carreira; Moriba, Beltrán; Durán, Bamba, Cervi; Iglesias
Athletic Bilbao: Simón; Gorosabel, Vivian, Paredes, Yuri; Jauregizar, Ruiz de Galarreta; I Williams, Berenguer, N Williams; Guruzeta

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