Celta Vigo vs Valladolid prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2023-02-25 15:15.
In a battle of two sides who hover just above La Liga’s (LL) drop zone, Celta Vigo will host Real Valladolid for what could prove to be a crucial contest in the stories of their respective campaigns. The Galicians needed a last-gasp own goal to rescue a 1-1 draw at Real Sociedad last round, pushing Celta two points clear of the bottom three ahead of the round and pulling them level on points with their visitors.
They’ll hope the footballing gods continue to favour them in their fight to avoid their first top-flight demotion since 2006/07. But having won just one of their previous seven LL home outings (D3, L3), there’s plenty of work to do, especially up front after Celta failed to score more than one goal in any game through that period. Ominously, their paltry 23 goals after 22 games this season is identical to that same relegation-bound campaign back in 2006/07!
In addition, Celta’s poor recent H2H record (D5, L2) points towards further misery, but they face Valladolid at perhaps the perfect time. Their fellow strugglers have won just one of their previous seven LL away matches (L6), a dire run extended by a 2-1 defeat to Real Betis last round. To add to the woes, manager Pacheta will have to replace both Jordi Masip and Darwin MachĂs whilst trying to get a better performance out of Mateu Lahoz.
Having also failed to score in five of those seven away games, it remains to be seen what threat Valladolid can offer, especially as no side has suffered more LL defeats on the road this campaign (L8). Considering those struggles with finding the net, perhaps concentrating on some early defensive solidity will help propel them away from the danger zone, having already conceded a league-high ten goals within the opening 30 minutes on their travels.
Players to watch: If Iago Aspas strikes, don’t be surprised if it’s his side’s first goal of the day, as each of his eight LL goalscoring appearances saw him net Celta’s opener. Cyle Larin might be equally important to his Valladolid side after scoring in his last two league away matches – their only away goals in their last seven such games (G2).
Hot stat: Just three of the 16 LL matches involving either club since the resumption of the league produced more than 2.5 total goals.