Real Betis battles Celta Vigo in Week 31 of La Liga for a European spot and Celta holding to avoid relegation, an exciting clash will be expected at the Benito Villamarin Stadium.
The Green and Whites will try to shake off its four-game losing streak and capture the win at home. During their last battle, Los Verdiblancos succumbed to a 3-2 loss against Girona. Willian Jose squeaked two goals with 14 minutes to go, but Cristhian Stuani spoiled the game thanks to a nasty goal two minutes into extra time.
The Sky Blues are looking to extend its two-game unbeaten run. Los Celestes had 61% ball possession and 13 shots in its last game against Rayo Vallecano, but the Red Sashes survived the match with an incredible defensive display. Celta hopes to replicate its 1-2 away win against Sevilla nearly a month ago and avoid a massive loss like in their visit to Real Madrid.
Will Real Betis get its eighth home win, or will Celta pull the upset and get its fourth road victory?
Real Betis vs. Celta Vigo Preview
Real Betis
The Verdiblancos have eight games to play in Spain’s top flight. Manuel Pellegrini’s squad has lost its bouts in the Copa Del Rey, Europa League, and Europa Conference League, which has developed into a four-game losing skid. The Heliopolitans are still winless since March, losing to Atletico Madrid (2-1), Villarreal (2-3), Rayo Vallecano (2-0), and previously against Girona (3-2).
Willian Jose is back in his scoring mood, blasting two goals in the last game to put his tally into 10 goals and three assists this season. Isco has six goals and three assists, while Ayoze Perez has notched four goals. Rui Silva stepped up ahead of veteran goalie Claudio Bravo and will look to add to his eight clean sheets. The Verdiblancos seem to be performing well on the defensive end, averaging 17.7 tackles, 9.1 interceptions, and 20.2 clearances. However, they must lower their average of 1.2 conceded goals, 2.4 yellow cards, and 134.7 possessions lost per game.
Celta Vigo
The Sky Blues only have 28 points in 30 games played. Os Celestes have only six wins all season long, with four of them this year, including the 2-1 win over Sevilla about a month ago. Os Celestes was dominant in its previous game against Rayo Vallecano but failed to convert a goal out of 13 total shots, three corner kicks, and 16 free kicks.
New Celta manager Claudio Giraldez will continue to put the scoring load on Jorgen Strand Larsen, who has 10 goals and two assists thus far. Iago Aspas has made five goals and six assists this season, while Anastasios Douvikas has four goals. Os Celestes will need to step up its defensive matrices, as they have 44 goals conceded, 138.6 lost possessions, and only six clean sheets this season.
Real Betis vs. Celta Vigo Probable Starting Lineups
Real Betis: Rui Silva (GK), Youssouf Sabaly, German Pezzella, Sokratis, Abner Vinicius, Johnny, Guido Rodriguez, Nabil Fekir, Isco, Ayoze Perez, Willian Jose
Celta Vigo: Vicente Guaita (GK), Javier Manquillo, Oscar Mingueza, Unai Nunez, Carlos Dominguez, Hugo Alvarez, Hugo Sotelo, Fran Beltran, Jonathan Bamba, Iago Aspas, Jorgen Strand Larsen
Real Betis vs. Celta Vigo Head-To-Head
It has been a tight battle between the two teams, with each squad winning four games in the last 10 head-to-head matches, with two draws. However, Celta got the better of Betis in the previous five battles, winning four times and putting in nine goals. The latest match-up was held last January at the Estadio Abanca Balaídos, with Williot Swedberg converting a 96th-minute screamer to capture all three points for the Sky Blues.
Injury Report
Chimy Avila will be absent from Manuel Pellegrini’s squad for disciplinary measures. Marc Bartra is also sidelined as he deals with an Achilles tendon issue.
Luca De La Torre and Mihailo Ristic are doubtful to appear as they are still nursing thigh and hamstring injuries, respectively. Carlos Dotor is out with a thigh issue while Joseph Aidoo is recovering from an Achilles tendon rupture and will be unavailable against Real Betis.
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Philipp Centenni Ruel is an experienced content writer who likes sports, movies, finance, and the legal industry.