Fifth-place Villarreal will have something to build on when they host in-form Celta Vigo having given a very good account of themselves against Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu. The Sky Blues, on the other hand, are eager to continue the good run of results that saw them amass 10 points from last 5 league fixtures.

Cani closes in on return

Prior to suffering a shock relegation to Segunda, Villarreal were fighting for top 4 positions, and the Yellow Submarine seem to have adopted the old objectives despite spending one year in the second division. With the team showing incredible consistency this season, it is perfectly clear they are serious contenders for the final Champions League berth, while also being one of the most entertaining sides in the top flight. The fact boss Marcelino Garcia Toral has four quality attackers at his disposal has helped his team notch no less than 44 goals in 23 league matches, with even top scorer Ikechukwu Uche not being sorely missed. The Yellow Submarine have been scoring goals for fun of late, bagging three at home to Osasuna while adding another two at Santiago Bernabeu, so everything suggests the bright run is set to continue against Celta Vigo. The hosts do seem to be the favourites for the win, but this is clearly not the right time to be facing the Sky Blues, who appear to be on top of their game at the moment.

Key midfielder Cani has resumed light training, but he is not yet ready to return, although Tomas Pina is back from suspension. First choice keeper Sergio Asenjo is the latest casualty, whereas Ikechukwu Uche, Oliver Torres and Pablo Iniguez remain sidelined.

Results finally in sync with performances

Celta Vigo almost got relegated last season as they often failed to turn their dominance into goals and same thing happened again in the opening exchanges this term. Despite playing well most of the time, Luis Enrique’s side just could not leave the danger zone, but they were always going to come good eventually. Everything started with a home win over Valencia, when they came from a goal down to record a 2-1 triumph, although Celta did lose the very next fixture to Espanyol. However, they have since been in scintillating form, defeating Real Betis and Granada before holding high-flying Athletic Bilbao to a goalless draw at Balaidos. This was a game completely uncharacteristic of the Sky Blues, given that they usually take part in highly entertaining encounters. And with no less than 36 goals scored in their 11 away matches this season, chances are we will see a thoroughly exciting match at El Madrigal. Having created a five-point cushion between them and the relegation zone, Celta Vigo will not be afraid to attack their more illustrious opponents.

Talented forward Santi Mina is doubtful with a muscle problem, but there are no other selection worries for coach Luis Enrique.

Verdict

This game has goals written all over it, with Villarreal playing well and looking to close the gap behind their top 4 rivals, and Celta Vigo in stunning form and taking part in high-scoring games on the road. The Yellow Submarine should be considered slight favourites, but they will have to work hard for the win.

Top pick: Over 2.5 goals   1.82 (41/50) @ Betfair

Alternative pick 1: Both teams to score   1.85 (17/20) @ Ladbrokes

Alternative pick 2: Over 3.5 goals   3.00 (2/1) @ William Hill