Having slipped back to the danger zone, Celta Vigo will be under pressure when they host red-hot Sevilla, with the hosts also missing quite a few important players. Meanwhile, los Rojiblancos are brimming with confidence following the impressive triumph over Real Madrid and they will fancy their chances of winning at Balaidos.

Back in danger zone

Just like last season, Celta Vigo experienced plenty of problems in the opening exchanges as they just couldn’t hit the ground running despite some promising showings. Everything changed in the New Year though as Luis Enrique’s charges finally started playing to their potential and just few weeks back it looked as though they would have no problems staying alive. Nevertheless, Celta were unable to keep the rich vein of form for much longer, with the latest disappointing run seeing them slip back to the danger zone. Celta not only lost four of last five league fixtures, but failed to score a single goal in those defeats, and no doubts they will experience plenty of problems against high-flying Sevilla. The lack of confidence and pressure of expectations could prove too much for the hosts as they are quickly seeing what looked like a very promising season turning into major disappointment. Add to that the not so enviable 3-6-6 home record in La Liga and you will understand why I doubt the Sky Blues can match their more illustrious opponents at the moment.

Important defender Gustavo Cabral misses out with an ankle problem, whilst key midfielder Rafinha Alcantara is doubtful with a foot injury.

Can anyone stop Sevilla?

Given the amount of problems the club faced during off season and the fact they had no choice but to sell a number of key players in the summer, it is fair to say nobody expected to see Sevilla in the top half of the standings, let alone vying for Champions League positions. The Rojiblancos, nonetheless, impressed everyone with their performances in the second part of the season and they find themselves mere six points behind fourth-placed Athletic Club. Unai Emery’s side are on top of their game at the moment, having recorded six league victories on the bounce, while coming back from two goals down to pip local rivals Real Betis to a place in the Europa League quarter-finals. And while many believed team’s amazing run would end against mighty Real Madrid, Sevilla produced another stunning performance to record a 2-1 triumph and now hope to extend the winning run against out-of-sorts Celta Vigo. Having won last three La Liga matches on the road, los Rojiblancos look more than capable of winning at Balaidos as well.

Unai Emery has no fresh injury worries, although Sebastian Cristoforo, Daniel Carrico and Denis Cheryshev are out injured.

Verdict

Celta Vigo find themselves in great deal of problems having recorded fourth defeat in last five matches and they cannot be trusted to show a great deal of improvement against Sevilla. Los Rojiblancos, on the other hand, are playing the best football of the season and nobody would be surprised if they go on and win this match.

Top pick: Sevilla Draw no bet   1.73 (8/11) @ Stan James

Alternative pick 1: Away win   2.50 (3/2) @ BetVictor

Alternative pick 2: Over 2.5 goals   2.00 (1/1) @ Betfred