Sevilla-Celta Vigo is a match from the 28th day of La Liga and is played on Friday at 21:00: line-ups, predictions, TV and streaming.
It may sound a bit like that, but last Saturday’s match against Cadiz was a straightforward clash for Sevilla, who needed to get away from the relegation zone as soon as possible. And the Andalusians did not fail to live up to expectations, returning to winning ways after the painful defeat to Getafe, the main consequence of which was the dismissal of Jorge Sampaoli, who was replaced during the break by José Luis Mendilibar.
The new coach, back on track after a not particularly positive experience at the helm of Alaves, started off on the right foot. The classification situation of Rakitic and his team-mates had become incandescent: the three points were needed like air to break away from the large group of teams that are currently fighting to avoid ending up downstairs. Sevilla are now thirteenth, but there is still a lot of work to be done to return to an area more in keeping with the value of the squad, which was built to pursue very different objectives and which has instead found itself struggling to maintain its category. After three consecutive fourth places, the Andalusian club is likely to finish this year in an anonymous position and the only way to qualify for the next European cups is to try to win the Europa League. Sevilla are still in the running in the second international competition and next Thursday will face Manchester United in the first leg of the quarter-finals.
Andalusians to ‘secure’ salvation
Mendilibar, awaiting their clash with the Red Devils, are on the hunt for confirmation in the first leg against Celta Vigo, a side who are doing very well in the league and who, with an eight-point lead over the relegation zone – four more than Sevilla – could even be aiming for seventh place, which could mean the Conference League.
Gabri Veiga
Carlos Carvalhal’s Galicians have only conceded one defeat in their last nine matches and are unbeaten since mid-February. After two consecutive victories against Rayo Vallecano and Espanyol last Sunday they were stopped at home by Almeria at the end of a thrilling 2-2 draw in which all four goals were scored in the first half. The Portuguese coach in Sevilla will be without the disqualified Gabri Veiga, but there is also a heavy absence at the other end, as former Milan player Ocampos will be missing.
The Prediction
Sevilla will be able to play this match with less pressure than a week ago and this time they should be able to avoid defeat. It will be an eventful match with Celta Vigo, a team that is finding the way to goal with ease.
Sevilla v Celta Vigo matchday squad
- Sevilla (4-3-3): Dmitrovic; Jesus Navas, Badé, Gudelj, Acuña; Jordan, Pape Gueye, Rakitic; Lamela, Bryan Gil, En-Nesyri.
- CELTA VIGO (4-4-2): Villar; Hugo Mallo, Aidoo, Núñez, Galán; Carles Pérez, Beltrán, Tapia, de la Torre; Iago Aspas, Haris Seferovic.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1
