There were no midweek commitments for Athletic Bilbao or Celta Vigo – no need to be distracted by other tournaments. Athletic repeated the La Liga record in 12 rounds of the season, gaining 21 points, which is already the best result in the 21st century, and last weekend they secured a victory over Villarreal with a score of 3:2. Ironically, the 12th game of the 2022/23 season also turned into a one-goal victory over the same opponent. But this similarity should end, as the “lions” will win only three of the next 12 games and drop out of the race for European places – a fate that Ernesto Valverde would like to avoid this time, as they are in fifth place before the round. Perhaps that’s why the head coach told the media that the victory last weekend “means a lot.” Errera, Garcia, Berchiche, and Alvades, who has a groin injury, will not be able to play today.
The impressive unbeaten record of Athletic as favorites in this La Liga season does not bode well for the visiting team, languishing in the relegation zone, especially since they themselves have not won a single league match as outsiders this season. The grand plan upon the arrival of head coach Rafael Benitez in Vigo had unpleasant consequences, making the turn of the century memorable for all the wrong reasons. The 1-1 draw last weekend against Sevilla was about the same. Once again, the “Celts” found themselves on the wrong end of the refereeing dispute, leading Iago Aspas to throw the VAR side monitor to the ground in anger. Benitez, who is no stranger to publicly lamenting his work this season, is tired of “talking about how well we played, how many chances we had… and how we didn’t get three points.” At first glance, a trip to Bilbao will not lead to any immediate changes in fate, but Celta has lost only once at this stadium in the last four meetings. Out of play today are De la Torre, Ristic, and Aido, who has an Achilles injury. More bet and win prediction can be obtained from the link provided.
