La Liga’s in-form side Celta Vigo will be hoping for more of the same when they host out-of-form Getafe, having picked up no less than ten points from last four league fixtures. Los Azulones, on the other hand, are under extreme pressure after failing to win any of their last ten matches in all competitions, slipping to the danger zone in the process.

Finally where they belong

Many were surprised to see Luis Enrique appointed as a replacement for Abel Resino after Celta had avoided the drop last term, but club chiefs were right to believe there was still plenty of room for improvement. The Sky Blues, however, experienced all sorts of problems in the opening exchanges despite showing a great deal of promise, but it appears things have finally fallen into place. Everything started with a thoroughly impressive performance against Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu in the first match in 2014. Celta ended up losing the game after missing a host of clear-cut chances, but they won the first next game, coming from behind to defeat Valencia. While losing to Espanyol next time out, the Sky Blues then embarked on a great run of results that saw them beat Betis, Granada and Villarreal while sharing spoils with high-flying Athletic Club. As a result, the team now sit mere three points behind European positions and well clear of the relegation zone. Luis Enrique’s charges are now playing with a lot of confidence and with the pressure no longer present, they look a good bet to see off struggling Getafe as well.

Top scorer Charles has been passed fit to start against Getafe, whereas new signing Welliton could be handed a debut after improving his match fitness.

Getafe in danger

Despite operating on a tight budget, Getafe’s shrewd transfer strategy has allowed the team to avoid relegation tussle altogether in recent years, and the start of the new campaign did not suggest anything would be different this year. Nevertheless, los Azulones suffered a huge dip in form at the turn of the year and they were unable to recover ever since. The team ended a five-match losing run few weeks back as they held Real Sociedad to a 2-2 draw, but they have since picked up just one point from next four matches, losing to Almeria, Osasuna and Real Madrid without scoring a single goal in the process. With that in mind, this is clearly a bad time to be facing in-form Sevilla, who, unlike them, are brimming with confidence at the moment. Team’s dismal away record is another major cause for concern, with Getafe losing six of last seven away fixtures and only sharing spoils with second division Girona. The fact they only scored one goal in the process should be even more worrying for boss Luis Garcia.

Roberto Lago and Alvaro Arroyo return from suspension, but Rafa, Mosquera and Sergio Escudero are out injured.

Verdict

Celta Vigo have been thoroughly impressive of late and it is perfectly clear they deserve the current league position. Getafe, on the other hand, are completely out of confidence and given their wretched record on the travels, I don’t see how they are going to avoid defeat at Balaidos.

Top pick: Home win   1.80 (4/5) @ Stan James

Alternative pick 1: Celta to score two or more   1.91 (10/11) @ Coral

Alternative pick 2: Celta/Celta   2.77 (18/11) @ Betfair