Celta Vigo vs Real Betis Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

Celta Vigo manager Claudio Giraldez is under immense pressure to turn things around at the Estadio Abanca-Balaidos following a dismal spell of results, winless in four matches with three defeats at the hands of Rayo Vallecano (2-1), Athletic Bilbao (1-2), and Valencia (2-1).

This torrid run has left Celta Vigo closer to the relegation zone than the desired European qualification positions on offer. Defensive discipline has been one of the thorns in Celta Vigo’s side this season, unable to control matches after getting themselves on the scoresheet. Perfectly displayed in last week’s defeat to Valencia at the Mestalla whereby Celta Vigo drew level courtesy of Pablo Duran in the second half but went on to concede a mere two minutes later, leaving empty-handed.

Greek striker Anastasios Douvikas has left theSky Blues to sign for Cesc Fabregas’ Como in Serie A in a €13million deal. Meanwhile, Ivorian winger Jonathan Bamba joined MLS club Chicago Fire with Celta Vigo pocketing another €3,5million.

23-year-old striker Iker Losada, who joined Celta Vigo on loan from opponents Real Betis earlier this month made his Os Celestes debut in the defeat to Valencia last weekend. 

Fully expected to feature and possibly be named in starting XI for this matchup Losada claimed, "It's going to be a very special match for me; I will definitely have a lot of emotions. Matches like this are pivotal in determining whether you are fighting at the top or bottom of the table."

Real Betis seems to have turned the corner, snapping a three-game winless streak with a pair of decent performances. Gaining maximum points from their victory away at Mallorca (0-1) and settling for a share of the spoils at home to high-flying Athletic Bilbao (taking the field without injured Nico Williams) in a clash where the Green and Whites were probably the better team.

Manuel Pellegrini’s troops have been injury-plagued this season, yet in the big-ticket match against Athletic Bilbao, there was a sense of renewed confidence amongst fans. As the Estadio Benito Villamarin was bouncing from joy with new loan signing Antony getting involved from his first start for Los Verdiblancos, stinging the palms of Spanish number one goalkeeper Unai Simon, which ricocheted into the path of Isco, giving Real Betis after 15 minutes.

Following the final whistle, Pellegrini said, “Well, I think it was a very positive debut. He’s a quality player.” I was talking to him just before the game. I think a good player doesn’t have to be constantly showing off his skills with the ball. He has to play a good game, make few mistakes and do two or three important things: a goal, a good pass, a good cross. I think he was very involved today, especially with the second goal. He had just arrived a couple of days before and I think he’s going to contribute a lot to us.”