Celta Vigo vs. Athletic Bilbao 8/28/21 LaLiga Soccer Pick, Odds, and Prediction

Celta Vigo is hosting Athletic Bilbao at Municipal de Balaidos in round 3 of the Spanish LaLiga. After losing to Atletico Madrid in round 1, Celta has gotten a positive result from their second game last weekend. Bilbao is on a 3-game draw streak, but the good news is they are still undefeated this season.

Celta has been solid in their first two games, but they have scored only 1 goal so far this season. Celta was playing against Osasuna on the road last weekend, and they have had 54% of ball possession in that match, 0 shots on goal, 2 corner kicks, 0 big chances created, and 76% of the correct passes. As expected, this was a rough game, and there was a penalty in the game, but neither team has created a good enough chance, and it ended in a 0-0 draw. Aspas is still the only goalscorer for Celta so far. Baeza is the only injured player for Celta as of right now. I think Celta will do well this season, but their offense still isn’t as effective as it should be, but maybe the upcoming international break will help them fix that.

Bilbao hasn’t lost any of their last 4 games, but they also haven’t won any of their last 3 games. After playing 0-0 against Elche a couple of weeks ago, Bilbao was hosting Barcelona in round 2. This was a fun game, especially the first half where Athletic Bilbao was dominating. Overall, Bilbao has had 33% of ball possession, 7 shots on goal, 13 corner kicks, 2 big chances created, and 73% of the correct passes. Bilbao was just dominating Barcelona’s defense in the first half, and they have missed a ton of chances, but they finally scored in the 50^th minute. In the 75^th minute, Bilbao has conceded a goal, and this game has ended in a 0-0 draw. Martinez is the leading goalscorer for Bilbao with only 1 goal so far this season. Muniain has added an assist. Berchiche, Nolaskoain, Capa, Cordoba, Petxa, and Alvarez are all injured for Bilbao. So far, Athletic Bilbao has been playing well, especially in their second game, and they have created a ton of chances, but their finishing was sloppy, and that has cost them a win. I think Bilbao can be in the Europa League race this season, but they usually fail.

These are the teams who like to play rough, and neither of them is playing well in the attacking end. I expect another game with a lot of fouls and yellow cards, and a penalty as well.