Celta Vigo seek an immediate response to last weekend’s heavy La Liga defeat, while Levante arrive at Balaídos sensing an opportunity to move out of the bottom three.
Match News and Current Form
Celta Vigo’s 3-0 defeat at Rayo Vallecano last weekend ended their seven-match unbeaten run in La Liga (W2, D5), and having failed to register a shot on target in two of their last four league matches, head coach Claudio Giráldez has some attacking problems to solve, as half (five) of their league goals this term came in one fixture! He’s been critical of his defence despite keeping three clean sheets in their last five league matches, and while playing at home might also help the Sky Blues as they’re unbeaten across their last four La Liga games here (W2, D2), they were beaten 2-1 on this ground by Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday.
Successive defeats against Real Sociedad (2-1) and Atlético Madrid (2-0) dropped Levante into the relegation zone, with the Frogs paying the price for not taking their chances and then making defensive errors against sides who start this round in the top five. The visitors have only suffered 3+ consecutive La Liga defeats once under Luís Castro, but that could be about to change as Levante have scored just three times in their away league fixtures this term (D3, L3), although their last La Liga victory on the road came on this ground in May!
Head-to-Head History
That was Levante’s only win in the last six H2Hs (D2, L3), although they have won three of their last five trips to Celta (D1, L1).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Celta won fewer than four corners in each of their last six league games.
None of Celta’s last four home league games featured a goal before the 30th minute.
Levante are yet to score in the opening 15 minutes in La Liga this term.
Levante have lost five of their last six Sunday-held away league matches (D1).
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Celta goalkeeper Ionuț Radu has saved 79.2% of the shots on target he’s faced in La Liga this season, keeping five clean sheets in his 11 such appearances this term. Roger Brugué has scored five La Liga goals for Levante this season, and while none came in away games, his last goal on the road was the winner in last season’s corresponding fixture.
Celta do not appear to have any fresh injury worries, while Enzo Bardeli missed Levante’s defeat at Atlético through injury.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
As Celta have drawn six of their 11 La Liga games this term and Levante are struggling for goals on the road, backing the draw could be a worthwhile option.
Author: John Pennington
