Celta Vigo vs Athletic Bilbao: Preview and Predictions

Celta Vigo vs Athletic Bilbao
Spanish La Liga
Date: Sunday, 30th April 2017
Kick-off at 19:45 UK / 20:45 CET
Venue: Estadio de Balaídos, Vigo.

The semi-finalists of Europa League welcome Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. As the season is coming to a close, both teams will be looking to reach their destination – securing participation in one of UEFA competitions next season.

Celta Vigo

The team from Estadio de Balaidos have completely focused on the upcoming tie against Manchester United. As they are only in the 11th position in the domestic league, reaching Europa League is out of the question, hence they will go all in against Mourinho’s men and hope for a miracle.

Celta picked up only three points from the last five La Liga outings as they were beaten in four games; they suffered the most recent defeat at Estadio Sanchez Pizjuan, where Sevilla beat them 2-1.

Athletic Bilbao

The Basque local pride are only two points from the UEFA zone, as they currently have two points less than Real Sociedad. However, with three points in Vigo, they could overtake the sixth position.

Bilbao’s away performances this season are slightly concerning. In 16 games on the road this season, they only managed to register 5 wins and 2 draws, while they were beaten in 9 La Liga visits.

Celta Vigo vs Athletic Bilbao: Head-to-head

Bilbao picked up a victory in the last four meetings against Celta, with two wins at Estadio de Balaidos. Celta are without a home win against Bilbao since 2013. Three out of last four games between the two sides ended with 2-1 in favor of the Basque side.

Celta Vigo vs Athletic Bilbao: Prediction

The motivation is certainly on the away side as they need points in order to stay in the race for Europa League. Celta will certainly rotate as the game of the season against Manchester United is just around the corner, so their manager certainly won’t take risks as one of the crucial players could pick up an injury.