Celta Vigo vs Real Sociedad Match Preview
Tournament – La Liga
Date – Sunday, January 21
Kick-off Time – 01:30 am IST
Venue – Bailados Stadium
Celta Vigo will host Real Sociedad at the Bailados Stadium in the La Liga on January 21.
The Sky Blues have struggled massively this season and are currently engaged in the relegation battle. They have won just three of their 21 games so far, lost nine, and drawn eight.
Celta drew their last game 1-1 against Mallorca away. Before facing Real Sociedad, they will face Valencia away in the Copa del Rey Round of 16 on Thursday, January 18.
Real Sociedad, meanwhile, started the season brilliantly but their form has dipped in recent times. They’ve won just one of their last five league games, drawing three and losing one.
They lost 2-1 in their last game against Athletic Club and will face Osasuna away in the Round of 16 on Thursday.
Celta Vigo vs Real Sociedad Team News
Celta Vigo will be without Carl Starfelt, Franco Cervi, and Joseph Aidoo due to their respective injuries. Aidoo is out for the season due to an ACL injury. They are also without Jonathan Bamba, who is currently competing at the AFCON with Ivory Coast.
Real Sociedad, meanwhile, will be without Martin Merquelanz and Umar Sadiq due to injuries. Takefuso Kubo is on international duty with Japan at the AFC Asian Cup. Hamari Traore is competing in the AFCON with Mali.
Also Read: Real Madrid vs Almeria: Preview, Team News, Lineups, H2H, Prediction, Odds and Telecast
Celta Vigo vs Real Sociedad Possible Lineups
Celta Vigo:
Goalkeeper: Vicente Guaita
Defenders: Manuel Sanchez, Carlos Dominguez, Unai Nunez, Jailson, Oscar Mingueza
Midfielders: Carlos Dotor, Renato Tapia, Carles Perez
Attackers: Jorgen Strand Larsen, Iago Aspas
Real Sociedad:
Goalkeeper: Unai Marrero
Defenders: Kieran Tierney, Robin Le Normand, Igor Zubeldia, Alvaro Odriozola
Midfielders: Ander Barrenetxea, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Arsen Zakharyan
Attackers: Mikel Oyarzabal, Brais Mendez
Celta Vigo vs Real Sociedad Head-to-Head
Real Sociedad holds an advantage in the head-to-head between the two sides, having won 12 of their 25 total clashes. Celta Vigo have won five while eight games have ended in a draw.
Real Sociedad have won three of their last five meetings, with the other two being draws.
Last five results:
Real Sociedad 1-1 Celta Vigo – La Liga – August 19, 2023
Real Sociedad 1-1 Celta Vigo – La Liga – February 18, 2023
Celta Vigo 1-2 Real Sociedad – La Liga – October 16, 2022
Real Sociedad 1-0 Celta Vigo – La Liga – January 8, 2022
Celta Vigo 0-2 Real Sociedad – La Liga – October 28, 2021
Also Read: Osasuna vs Getafe: Preview, Team News, Lineups, H2H, Prediction, Odds and Telecast
Prediction
Real Sociedad have been good this season overall, having also had to compete in the UEFA Champions League and injuries. However, they lost their last game and drew the previous three.
Meanwhile, Celta Vigo have dropped off significantly from last season where they finished 13th, and are currently just two points above the relegation zone. However, they have lost just one of their last five games and won two of them.
They also have a tougher fixture in the Copa del Rey against Valencia than Real Sociedad’s against Osasuna.
Hence, based on recent form and injuries, both sides could end up sharing the spoils.
Predicted Score: Celta Vigo 1-1 Real Sociedad
Celta Vigo vs Real Sociedad Odds (subject to change)
Celta Vigo win – 3.07
Real Sociedad win – 2.64
Draw – 3.27
Odds source – Oddspedia.com
Celta Vigo vs Real Sociedad Players to Watch Out For
Celta Vigo
The player to watch out for from the Celta Vigo squad is Jorgen Strand Larsen. The Norwegian striker is Celta’s top scorer with seven goals in 20 La Liga games. He has scored twice and provided one assist in his last four league games.
Larsen has combined well with Iago Aspas in recent times and he will look to continue that partnership and get on the scoresheet once again.
Real Sociedad
For Real Sociedad, the key player could be their captain Mikel Oryabazal. The 26-year-old striker is the club’s top scorer with eight goals in 19 La Liga games, along with one assist. He scored his first goal after five games in their 3-1 defeat against Athletic Club.
With second top scorer Takefuso Kubo off on international duty, Oryabazal would have shoulder more responsibility to help Real Sociedad in attack.
Celta Vigo vs Real Sociedad Where to Watch
India – Jio Cinema, Sports 18
UK – ITV
US – ESPN+