Villarreal vs Celta Vigo predictions and match preview for Sunday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for analysis, team news and predicted lineups as the Yellow Submarine target another win at the Ceramica.
| Date | Sunday 30th April 2023 |
| Kick-Off | 16:15 (CEST) |
| Stadium | Ceramica |
| Competition | LaLiga |
Villarreal vs Celta Vigo Preview
Villarreal and Celta Vigo face off at the Ceramica this weekend in what is an important game for the hosts as they bid to hunt down Real Sociedad in the race for Champions League qualification. The Yellow Submarine have a more favourable set of remaining fixtures but have 5 points to make up on La Real heading into matchday 32.
Quique Setien’s side staged an impressive fightback in midweek, beating Espanyol 4-2 in part thanks to an unlikely brace from Etienne Capoue. Nicolas Jackson also impressed with a goal and will be hoping he gets a decent run in the side now with main striker Gerard Moreno still sidelined through injury.
Raul Albiol has been another notable absentee in recent games which perhaps in part explains why Villarreal haven’t always looked convincing defensively. However it was Pau Torres, rather than his replacement Aissa Mandi, who was at fault in midweek with a costly slip setting up Espanyol for their second goal which briefly levelled the game. The centre-back hasn’t had a great season while 40 year old Pepe Reina has looked a bit vulnerable at times in goal in recent matches.
Celta Vigo also come into this game after a victory although it wasn’t a massively convincing one as they needed a 90th minute header from centre-back Joseph Aidoo to see off bottom club Elche at home. The wild celebrations that followed on the Celta bench highlighted how important it was with Carlos Carvalhal’s side having looked in a bit of danger of falling back towards the relegation scrap after a recent downturn in form.
They have 39 points now and can probably afford to start planning for next season in the Primera. It could potentially be a big summer in Vigo and much will depend on what happens with Gabri Veiga. The young midfielder would most likely command a transfer fee in excess of €30m following a fine breakthrough campaign and that kind of figure would give Celta’s recruitment team a sizable transfer kitty to improve a squad that does have its limitations.
Team News & Possible Lineups
Villarreal
| INJURED | Coquelin, Gerard Moreno, Morales |
| DOUBTFUL | Albiol, Femenia |
| BANNED |
Possible XI: Reina – Pedraza, Torres, Mandi, Foyth – Baena, Parejo, Terrats – Pino, Jackson, Chukwueze (4-3-3)
Coach: Quique Setien
Celta Vigo
| INJURED | Marchesin, Mingueza |
| DOUBTFUL | |
| BANNED |
Possible XI: Villar – Galan, Aidoo, Nunez, Mallo – Beltran – De la Torre, Veiga, Perez – Aspas, Seferovic (4-1-3-2)
Coach: Carlos Carvalhal
Score Prediction: Villarreal 2-1 Celta Vigo
Villarreal aren’t fully convincing at the back right now, but they are playing some good football and creating lots of chances. Celta’s level has dropped since the last international break and they may struggle to pick up anything from this game.
PLEASE NOTE – Our LaLiga score predictions are not betting tips! No profits are guaranteed if you’re using them to bet on Spanish football. If you are gambling, do so responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose. BeGambleAware.
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