Real Sociedad vs Celta Vigo prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2023-02-17 13:00.
In a tale of two teams enduring contrasting campaigns, European chasing Real Sociedad host relegation-threatened Celta Vigo in La Liga (LL) action. Despite Sociedadās 3-2 victory at Espanyol marking their first victory in four competitive outings (D1, L2), the Basque side are riding high, with their 42-point haul after 21 league games their highest in the top-flight since 2002/03, a campaign in which they eventually finished second!
With only three sides in Europeās āBig Fiveā leagues winning more away points, Sociedadās travelling exploits can take a huge chunk of praise for their lofty third place position. They havenāt been quite as strong on home turf though, winning just two of their last five league home games (D1, L2), but Celta might represent the perfect opposition kick-start a run against considering Sociedad have won the last five H2Hs.
The Galicians don't represent pushovers however, even if their mini-revival (W2) was ended by a Jan Oblak-inspired AtlĆ©tico Madrid in a 1-0 defeat last time out. Celta boss Carlos Carvalhal appears content with his side despite that reversal, stating that āWeāre closer to the team I would likeā and that his side are āgetting betterā as they now go in search of back-to-back away league wins for the first time since May 2021.
A 4-3 victory at Betis in their last away outing displays the Sky Bluesā threat but they have been inconsistent travellers with only three teams losing more LL away games than their six ahead of this round. A major factor for this has arguably been a leaky travelling defence, with only bottom-placed Elche (24) conceding more away league goals than Celtaās 19 ahead of this matchday, so the pressure is on to secure a win that would steer them further clear of the drop zone.
Players to watch: No player has scored more LL goals than Sociedad's Alexander SĆørloth since the World Cup restart (G5). Looking to steal his thunder will be Celta youngster Gabri Veiga, who has more goal contributions than any other LL U21 player this season (G6, A2) and struck twice in Celtaās last away outing.
Hot stat: Sociedad have failed to win only once on the last 12 occasions they struck first in a home league contest (D1).