Real Sociedad vs Celta Vigo Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Real Sociedad have been much-improved since the winter break and now they take on the always entertaining and continually improving Celta Vigo.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so any game may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / US – ESPN+
Real Sociedad preview: Improvement under Matarazzo
In the mid-season winter break, Real Sociedad took the decision to part company with Sergio Francisco and replace him with former Hoffenheim boss. Pellegrino Matarazzo. It has proved inspired thus far with a brilliant start to the calendar year for La Real.
That continued last weekend as the Basque giants managed to see off defending champions and league leaders Barcelona by two goals to one at the Reale Arena, meaning that it is now seven points collected from their last three matches, with a push for Europe now the intended goal this season.
Celta Vigo preview: Additional Heading Here
Under the management of Claudio Giraldez, Celta Vigo have been magnificent across the last couple of years. The Galicians have been very good this year, too, at balancing the intensity of their top eight push as well as UEFA Europa League football.
The home team come into this one on the back of another fine victory in midweek as they defeated Lille by two goals to one at Balaidos. That has extended their current unbeaten run of form to five matches across all competitions.
Real Sociedad team news: Carlos Soler suspended
Former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Carlos Soler is missing through suspension, while Takefuso Kubo is a confirmed absentee due to a hamstring injury.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Alex Remiro; Jon Aramburu, Jon Martin, Igor Zubeldia, Sergio Gomez; Ander Barrenetxea, Benat Turrientes, Julen Gorrotxategi, Brais Mendez; Guedes, Mikel Oyarzabal
Unavailable: Inaki Ruperez (Injured), Carlos Soler (Suspended), Kubo (Injured)
Questionable: Yangel Herrera (Injured), Zakharyan (Injured), Oskarsson (Injured)
Celta Vigo team news: Carlos Dominguez a doubt
There are no fresh confirmed injury absentees for this one with only versatile defender Carlos Dominguez a slight doubt for the visitors as they visit the Basque Country.
Predicted XI (3-4-3): Radu; Javi Rodriguez, Starfelt, Marcos Alonso; Javi Rueda, Ilaix Moriba, Hugo Sotelo, Oscar Mingueza; Iago Aspas, Borja Iglesias, Swedberg
Unavailable:
Questionable: Carlos Dominguez (Injured)
Real Sociedad vs Celta Vigo prediction
Celta have the fourth best defence in the division. That is unusual because Claudio Giraldez Celta have often been one of the more chaotic and entertaining teams to watch. Real Sociedad have continued their intense style but appear to have found some cohesion in the final third, too. As a result, both teams scoring would appear a good bet for this one between two northern powerhouses.
Real Sociedad vs Celta Vigo tip: Both teams to score
