Celta Vigo continue the theme of sending out heavily weakened XI’s for league matches surrounding the UEL meetings, especially now in the latter part of the knockouts. Guidetti, Jonny and Fontas won’t be called up while none of the key men barring perhaps Wass will start, he only because Hernandez remains out. Iago Aspas at least makes the squad but this team is never close to being as dangerous. Celta are not going to be close to being the same force as normal, especially in how they are set to begin the game. Rotations help them in their bid to be physically fresh here but the regulars that start will be fighting off the distraction of the bigger game ahead. With this in mind, it’s a really significant edge for the visitors.
Villarreal have their best outfield team available and will make at least one positive move from the win over Espanyol last weekend. In defence Musacchio returns well rested and displaces Alvaro Gonzalez, who was a big doubt but has recovered enough to make the squad. Soldado is also available but could miss out to a fresher Sansone. Celta Vigo will not be as focused or as fresh as Villarreal which is a huge advantage in what would normally be a very tough game, one where they’d be happy to draw. Right now however, with the expected line-up of Celta, a more concentrated Villarreal will eye the win. Even still, they may not be overly attacking at 0-0.
Verdict & Prediction
Villarreal are keen to focus on improving up the league table and making a run on 4th place, currently being just 4 points off their radar. Celta are a team they respect but will expect they can beat here. Morale is decent, confidence took a smash after being hammered and dumped out of the Europa League by Roma in the same week they suffered a heartbreaking loss to Madrid at home. They should be able to get at least a point against a team, who is concerned more about their EL game against Krasnodar(match will be played in Russia) than this one.
Prediction: Villarreal +0.00 Asian Handicap (same as Draw no bet)
Odds: 1.79 Pinnacle, 1.78 SBOBET
