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Celta vs. Real Sociedad: Spanish Championship Match Prediction
On December 21, Celta will play a match of the 18th round of La Liga against Real Sociedad on its home field. In the last game at this arena, the Celts lost to the blue-whites. What to expect today? Our experts will try to select the most optimal options and the best possible bets for the upcoming confrontation. All the answers are in this forecast. Our star expert Alexander Mostovoy gave his version of the forecast for this game
Command Analysis
Celta Vigo
SpainCurrent form
Celta Vigo face Real Sociedad at Balaidos on a steady rise. They are on a three-game unbeaten run in La Liga, including a 2-2 draw against Real Betis before the international break, where they conceded in the 95th minute. That result could be seen as a missed opportunity, but coach Claudio Giraldes is continuing to build confidence.
The home stadium remains an important asset for Celta, with the club winning four of their last six matches at Balaidos. It is worth noting that the team has managed to take points in eight of their last ten home games against Real Sociedad, which adds optimism ahead of the upcoming match.
Disqualifications and injuries
Celta have some personnel losses ahead of the match. Jailson (thigh injury), Javier Manquillo (muscle injury) and Manu Ristic (knee injury) will be out.
Interesting trends for betting
- Celta have won four of their last six home games in La Liga
- Three of Celta last five games have seen more than 2.5 goals scored
- Key to the attack is Iago Aspas, who has excellent statistics against opponents, having scored 11 goals in 19 matches against Real Sociedad
Estimated line-up: Villar - Mingueza, Sverberg, Dominguez - Moriba, Beltran, Rodriguez - Solis, Aspas, Iglesias.
Real Sociedad
SpainCurrent form
Real Sociedad travel to Balaidos hoping to continue their fight for a place in the top four of La Liga. The team had a mixed spell before the international break, ending it with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Almeria. The encounter showed Sociedad character and ability to minimise defensive errors, which will be vital against a motivated Celta.
Imanol Alguacil men have had some difficulties away from home, with just one win in their last five away games in La Liga. However, their well-coordinated defence and organised counter-attacks remain a strong point. In addition, Sociedad leading attacker Takefusa Kubo has shown consistent form, scoring important goals in key games this season.
Disqualifications and injuries
Real Sociedad have some squad problems ahead of the trip to Vigo. Andrei Barrenechea (muscle injury) and Urko Gonzalez (knee injury) will be out. Defender Robin Le Normand is questionable, but there is a chance he could be available.
Interesting trends for betting
- Real Sociedad have scored in 8 of their last 10 La Liga matches
- Sociedad last four away games have seen fewer than 2.5 goals scored
- Takefusa Kubo has scored four goals in his last six La Liga games, highlighting his key role in attack
- Probable lineup: Remiro - Traore, Zubimendi, Pacheco, Munoz - Merino, Zubimendi, Mendes - Oyarzabal, Kubo, Sadiku
Trends
Bet Corners: total over 9.5
This betting option has taken place in 3 of Celta last 5 matches
1.86Bet Goals in both halves – yes
In 2 of the last 4 head-to-head matches, goals were scored in both halves
1.99Bet Exact score 1:1
The teams have played with this score in two of their last eight head-to-head matches
6.55Penalty Bet - No
In 3 of the last 6 head-to-head matches, no penalties were awarded
1.27Tip and bets
Today match promises to be tense and full of goal-scoring opportunities. Celta, despite its unstable results, traditionally demonstrates confident play at home, where they are helped by the support of the fans. Iago Aspas' team is capable of creating chances against any opponent, as well as converting them.
On the other hand, Real Sociedad is well-organized and has an effective attacking line led by Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal. It is also important for the visitors to take points in order not to lose ground in the fight for European cups. The history of head-to-head meetings shows that both clubs are not afraid to attack, and the chances of exchanging goals look quite high.
Our prediction is that both teams will score, and we are betting on it with odds of 1.99
Bet on the outcome
Today match promises to be an even one, given the style of play of both teams and their current form. Celta have been excellent at home and will be looking to continue their successful run at Balaidos. However, Real Sociedad are one of the most stable teams this season, able to keep their cool even in the toughest matches. We expect that the teams can focus on safety, and scoring chances will be rare. A peaceful outcome would suit both sides.
Prediction: a draw in the match at 3.30
Bet on corners
Considering that both teams play actively on the flanks and use crosses into the penalty area as one of the main attacking tools, a high number of corners can be expected. Celta often earn corners on their field, and Real Sociedad, using flank players, is able to maintain a high intensity in the game. This makes betting on corners an interesting option.
Forecast - total corners over 9.5 with odds of 1.82
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