The midweek games are behind us, and we just can’t wait to see more action from the Spanish La Liga this weekend. On Sunday, September 24th, two exciting matchups are awaiting for us – Eibar meets Celta Vigo at the Ipurua Municipal Stadium after a disaster against Barcelona in the previous round, while Leganes visits Las Palmas at the Estadio Gran Canaria.
In this two-match preview, we would like to take a closer look at their form and abilities so that we can give you the best betting predictions. Surely, football is an unpredictable game where upset are always a possibility, but that’s why we love it.
EIBAR vs. CELTA VIGO
Three-Way: 1: Eibar +135; X: +254 Draw; 2: Celta Vigo +254
Spread -0.5: Eibar +125; Celta Vigo -132
Total +2.5: Over +108; Under -116
EIBAR
Nobody expected that Eibar could surprise Barcelona in the previous round of the Spanish La Liga, and the Los Armeros ended up getting smashed at the Camp Nou, 6:1, losing all key battles on the field. In the 3rd minute of the game, Eibar had a great opportunity when Sergio Enrich was all alone in front of the Barca’s goal. Everything could have been different if Enrich had scored, but his shot was poor, and the goalkeeper easily saved it. After a Galvez’s clumsy challenge in the 20th minute and penalty for Barca, there was no way back for Eibar. The only bright moment until the end was Enrich’s goal after Junca’s stunning cross.
It’s always hard when you concede six goals in a game, even if you’re playing against Barcelona, so Eibar’s manager Jose Luis Mendilibar will have a challenging task to recover his players psychologically for the next game. The Eibars players were unable to stop Lionel Messi, allowing him to score four goals. Now they are facing a weaker Celta Vigo’s side, and responsible defending may be the key factor. On the other hand, Eibar’s attacking play looks pretty nice with 41 chances created (7th in the La Liga) in five games, but finishing is a problem as they scored only three times so far.
Jose Luis Mendilibar is still having injury worries, as the goalkeeper Yoel Rodriguez, winger Pedro Leon, and midfielder Fran Rico are all unavailable for the clash against Celta Vigo. The right winger Ivan Alejo is doubtful due to a knee injury.
CELTA VIGO
After a disappointing draw at home to Getafe 1:1 in the fifth round of the Spanish La Liga, Celta Vigo is at the 17th place of the table with just four points on their account. The Sky Blues are nowhere near their last year’s form, particularly struggling at the defensive end. They have conceded eight goals so far, keeping their net intact only against Alaves, who didn’t score yet. Obviously, Celta’s players have some psychological problems, as they had the one-goal lead against Getafe, doing almost nothing to make it two. In the end, the visitors scored and deservedly took a point from Balaidos.
Celta Vigo’s manager Juan Carlos Unzue will need to find a way to motivate his players, as they need to be far more aggressive. If they continue to play as they did in the first five La Liga rounds, it is going to be a nightmare season for their fans. Unzue’s team is on the 18th place when it comes to defensive actions per game, with only Barca and Real Madrid behind, so they have to be more concentrated at the back.
The midfielder Nemanja Radoja is still having a problem with his knee, while the striker John Guidetti could be in the team after a collarbone fracture. All other players are ready to go.
EIBAR vs. CELTA VIGO – Match Prediction
After disappointing results and displays in the previous round, both teams will look to take something from this clash. Eibar is playing at home, so they have to play offensively, while Celta Vigo obviously cannot defend the goal. If you like to play on goals, it could be a game for you. Therefore, I will expect both teams to score at least a goal each.
MY PICK: Both teams to score YES (-115)
LAS PALMAS vs. LEGANES
Three-Way: 1: Las Palmas +125; X: +240 Draw; 2: Leganes +285
Spread -0.5: Las Palmas +122; Leganes -127
Total +2.5: Over +131; Under -139
LAS PALMAS
It was all going fine for Las Palmas on Wednesday night at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, and when a goalless draw looked like a certainty, Jesus Navas’ fabulous strike in the 83rd minute changed everything. La UD couldn’t find the net, so they suffered another defeat, their third of the season. They’ve played bravely with some excellent defensive work, but in the end, it wasn’t enough. Jesus Navas scored an awesome goal, as someone can blame a goalkeeper Leandro Chichizola.
Now Manolo’s boys have to get over this shocking goal and prepare for the next game against Leganes in front of the home fans. Their defense is looking good, especially after the home loss in the second round when Atletico Madrid bagged five goals at the Estadio Gran Canaria. Offensively, they are still improving, trying to find the right flow like they did last season. Vitolo started the game against Sevilla, and his comeback is a big plus for Las Palmas’ attack. However, it seems like Alen Halilovic’s injury is going to be a big blow, so Alberto Aquilani and Jonathan Viera will have to step up to replace the Croatian midfielder.
The striker Loic Remy has missed the last encounter because of the injury issues, but he should be ready for the match against Leganes. The defender Dani Castellano and the midfielder Sergi Samper are out due to injuries.
LEGANES
With no assists on their account and only three goals scored after a rebound, Leganes managed to grab seven points out of the first five games of the new La Liga season. Surely, everyone is pleased at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque with the teams’ performances so far.
In the previous round, Pepineros recorded their first draw of the season, playing 0:0 at home with Girona. They’ve hit the crossbar in the first minute of the game, creating a few more chances in the first half. It is so obvious they have a serious problem with finishing, and they’ll need to improve as soon as possible. In the 41st minute, Alexander Szymanowski found himself in a great situation to score or pass, but he decided to go for glory and ruined everything.
At the defensive end, Leganes played very well, allowing Girona just two goal-scoring opportunities. Ezequiel Munoz missed the game because of the back injury, so Mantovani and Siovas were playing at center-backs. The defensive line is their biggest strength, especially when they are playing away from home. Munoz could be back in the starting eleven, as the goalkeeper Jon Ander Serantes is unavailable due to a shoulder injury. All other players are ready to go.
LAS PALMAS vs. LEGANES – Match Prediction
Las Palmas is building up the form, and they will look to attack at the home stadium. I expect to see a tight game, as Leganes is showing some good defensive skills. Last year the Pepineros took a point from Las Palmas, and I won’t be surprised to see the same this time. Nevertheless, I’m giving the advantage to Las Palmas in front of the home fans.
MY PICK: Las Palmas to Win (+125)
