Celta – Villarreal

Villarreal should not lose to Celta

On Sunday, 5 May, an important match in the 34th round of La Liga in terms of the fight for survival. Celta will try to close the issue with salvation in the current season. Villarreal have no big goals, but at the same time the club is definitely in the top eight in La Liga right now. Celta have had another disappointing season. Hopes for a productive year with Rafael Benitez are nowhere near fulfilled. The club, which is a mid-table club in terms of transfer value, has to battle Cadiz for 17th place. That's not to say the resignation was the catalyst for a breakthrough. The team was temporarily entrusted to local veteran Claudio Giraldes. The hope was for a certain psychological effect. So far, it has partially worked. Celta in the last six meetings scored seven points, but in the last game was unexpectedly defeated by Alaves. The team from Vigo was simply destroyed on the pitch. The XG difference is one of the highest in the league this season: 3.41 vs. 0.19. With a new coach, Celta has a tendency to play a more open game. The team is in the top eight in chances created, but is among the three worst in terms of danger at their goal. The other issue is that it was the defeat at the hands of Alaves that had an impact here. On average, Celta's defence doesn't fail like this. Villarreal gradually added under coach Marcelino. The club fell out of the European Cup, but in the championship avoided any nervousness. The Submarine are expected to have a quiet mid-table finish, but are already looking at a solid foundation for next season. Villarreal are the third club in La Liga at the distance of ten rounds. Only Real Madrid and Barcelona have more points. The team took 21 points, and the only defeat was recorded in the confrontation with Atletico. Villarreal's attacking line is in excellent shape. Norwegian Serlot stands out. The striker has already made 17 goals and five assists. The hidden motivation for Villarreal is to put the Norwegian in first place. The striker is just two goals away from Artem Dovbik of Girona. Villarreal cannot count on Traore, Bayi, Foyth and Suarez due to injuries. Celta have only Tapia and Aidoo among the losses. It cannot be said that any of the above players have a systemic impact. Celta goes favourite in the bookmakers' line only due to motivation. Such a layout can definitely be challenged. Villarreal is in great shape and is not in the mood to give points to anyone. The odds on the team over 3.00 are definitely overkill. In addition, a draw does not look like a bad result for Celta.