Celta vs Sevilla

February 9, 2016
By: Milos Markovic

High-margin results from the first legs of the Copa del Rey semi-finals have taken off the edge from both fixtures, but it will be nonetheless interesting to see if Celta will have enough strength in them to catch up on Sevilla’s four-goal lead from last week’s duel.

No Nolito, No party

Celta’s key man this season was enjoying his football until Deember, hitting eight goals in 15 La Liga appearances for his club. Him impressive form has alarmed numerous club who fought to bring him during the January transfer window, and it was believed that Barcelona were close to signing their former player, but Nolito chose to stay with Celta. Fantastic Spanish international has been vital in Celta’s excellent run at the beginning of the season and his absence has hit Celta hard. Berizzo’s men have won only once in last six matches in all competitions and will not be able to count on Nolito for the return match with Sevilla as well. Sorely missed over the course of last six weeks, the 29-year-old attacking midfielder played no part in last week’s 4-0 loss to Sevilla in the first leg and there is no doubt that the scoreline would’ve been much different had Nolito played the game. Celta are faced with an uphill battle for the spot in the Copa del Rey final.

Nolito and Andreu Fontas are injured for the upcoming fixture, but other than that Berizzo has no other injury concerns.

Sevilla back on track

Rojiblancos have had a disappointing start to the season, but Unai Emery has managed to turn the tables around and his team is once again running in fine form. Heading into their third consecutive game against Celta, Emery’s men will be keen on recording another positive result and extending their impressive run of ten games without defeat. Rojiblancos have managed to win eight of last ten matches in all competitions to once again prove they need to be counted on. Their poor patch from the start of the campaign has cost them a lot of points and Sevilla are currently eight behind Villarreal who are in fourth spot in the standings, but Copa del Rey still remains the club’s chance to fight for the trophy. The visitors will go to Balaidos relying on Kevin Gameiro to continue his scoring exploits in the Cup competition. The 28-year-old France forward has scored three goals in four Copa del Rey matches this season, while he also added 12 more in the league.

Nicola Pareja and Marco Andreolli are long-term absentees, while midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak is still unfit following his knee injury.

Verdict

Sevilla are coming to Vigo with a huge goal advantage and will feel no pressure, unlike their rivals. Celta have no other choice then to go hard from the off which will leave plenty of space for Sevilla to counterattack. The visitors will wait for their chance and I believe they are capable of using it.

Top pick: Away win  2.5 (6/4) @BetVictor

Alternative pick 1: Sevilla to win to nil   4.2 (16/5) @WilliamHill

Alternative pick 2: Under 2.5 goals   2.00 (1/1) @Ladbrokes

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