Real Sociedad vs Celta Vigo – Betting Preview
Real Sociedad Summary
Real Sociedad is enjoying a fantastic season so far and comes into this game with an impressive four-point gap over 4th placed Atletico Madrid.
The loss to Real Valladolid was a big setback two weeks ago, but they bounced back exactly the way the fans wanted by comprehensively winning in Espanyol in the Monday night match.
The target is the top four and managing the pressure of holding 3rd spot in the division for as long as possible. Confidence and momentum took a hit losing at home to Valladolid, but they remain a club with a strong belief and in good spirits.
The motivation will be strong here to win well against a club in Celta Vigo that does serve as a local rival, although not as competitive as the rivalry with Athletic Club. A loss would be a big setback for their season aims.
Imanol Alguacil has several continued absences due to injury concerns, but such is the depth and chemistry between them, the busy physio room hasn’t harmed results on the pitch.
Martín Merquelanz, Umar Sadiq, Mohamed-Ali Cho and Aritz Elustondo remain out. The most important probable absence is David Silva who has almost no chance of returning, while Andoni Gorosabel and Jon Pacheco on the other hand, do have possibilities of a return to the squad.
Imanol Alguacil is expected to recall key men Alex Sola and Merino into the midfield.
Celta Vigo Summary
Celta dropped to a narrow and unfortunate loss to Atletico Madrid last time out, which was on the back of having won two big games on the bounce.
Overall momentum is on an upward curve because it was not long ago that they were floundering in the drop zone and fighting a relegation battle.
Celta Vigo start the game in mid-to-lower end of the table of LaLiga 2022/23, still fearful of being dragged into the bottom three. They would certainly take a point here and anything more a massive positive.
Carlos Carvalhal was able to manage them to a big win over rivals Athletic Bilbao in recent weeks and this is another game they get extra motivated for, particularly as a couple of thousand Celta fans should be with them in Anoeta.
Based on their training sessions towards the end of the week, one move is expected from the unfortunate home loss to Atletico last time out. This with the tough centre back Unai Nunez who is set to return from a minor knock and begin.
The only significant absentee is keeper Agustín Marchesín who is missing with an Achilles injury, one that will see him miss the remainder of the season.
Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first. Real Sociedad Is a quite strong favourite to win @ 1.80. Celta Vigo is far from the Basque host in the table, but on their day will give anyone a good contest. For me it would not be a shock if they could get something positive here. Celta Is @ 5.0 to win while a draw, also good for the visitor, is @ 3.40.
Moving onto the Asian handicap betting for this contest. Sociedad would need to win by two clear goals or more in order to pull in a full profit -0.75 @ 2.06. Celta Vigo +0.75 meanwhile have the draw onside as a full win and if they lose by a single goal, then only half the stake is lost. Easy to leave this market alone but if pushed, would be with the away team to give the best run for the money.
Looking at The Under/Over goal betting last of all. It is seen as a derby/rivalry game in Northern Spain, although Sociedad is the only Basque club of the two. With this in mind It could become bad blooded and fear of losing is high. At the same time however, both sides have creative and confident attacks. The line is low at 2 goals. Over 2 is @ 1.78 while the Under is @ 2.06. Should it end with exactly 2 goals then the stake is returned in full on both bets.
