Prediction: Celta Vigo vs Osasuna

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Celta Vigo and Osasuna will aim to build on their strong performances last time out when they face off at the Estadio Municipal de Balaidos on Friday night.

The hosts earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano last weekend, while Osasuna also held title-chasing Real Madrid to the same scoreline at home. Those results allowed Barcelona to capitalize and move to the top of the La Liga standings.

Celta Vigo

Celta took advantage of Atletico Madrid’s numerical disadvantage last Saturday, with Iago Aspas converting from the penalty spot in the 68th minute. However, Alexander Sorloth’s late equalizer denied them all three points.

Despite that setback, it was a commendable result for the Sky Blues, who have now taken four points from their last two outings, including a thrilling 3-2 victory over Real Betis in their most recent home fixture on February 8.

Claudio Giraldez’s side currently sit 14th in La Liga with 29 points from eight wins, five draws, and 11 losses. However, they remain within touching distance of eighth-placed Real Betis, trailing them by just three points.

While Celta’s attacking output has been impressive – scoring 35 times in 24 matches – their defensive frailties are evident, having conceded 38 goals, the joint-third worst tally in the division.

Encouragingly, their home form has been a bright spot this season, with 23 points collected from 12 matches, making them the fifth-best home side in La Liga. That bodes well as they prepare to face an Osasuna team that has struggled away from home in the 2024/25 campaign.

Team News

Celta will be without at least three players for Friday’s clash due to injury. Miguel Rodriguez remains sidelined with a groin problem, while Hugo Alvarez (knee) and Franco Cervi (thigh) are also unavailable.

Carlos Dominguez is a major doubt after being forced off in the first half against Atletico Madrid, which could see Oscar Mingueza drafted into the defensive setup.

Meanwhile, Iago Aspas is pushing for a starting role after scoring off the bench last weekend, but Fran Beltran is expected to retain his place in midfield despite being substituted at halftime at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Osasuna

Osasuna have struggled on their travels this season, recording just one win from 11 away league matches, along with six draws and four defeats. Their tally of seven away goals is the joint-worst in La Liga, matching Valencia’s struggles in front of goal.

Despite their poor away form, Vicente Moreno’s side remain in the hunt for European qualification, sitting ninth in the table with 32 points, three ahead of Celta, and three behind sixth-placed Rayo Vallecano.

Osasuna are currently enjoying a five-match unbeaten run in La Liga, most recently holding Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw at El Sadar – a notable success, of course. Kylian Mbappe put Los Blancos ahead early on, but Jude Bellingham’s red card shifted the momentum, allowing Ante Budimir to equalize from the penalty spot.

Los Rojillos will try to take confidence from their recent record against Celta, having won the reverse fixture 3-2 earlier this season and secured a 2-0 victory in Vigo last campaign.

Team News

Osasuna will be without Jesus Areso and Aimar Oroz for this trip, as both players picked up suspension-triggering yellow cards in the draw against Real Madrid.

However, Vicente Moreno will welcome back Enzo Boyomo, who missed the clash with Los Blancos due to suspension.

Oroz’s absence could see Moi Gomez slot into midfield, while Ante Budimir, Osasuna’s top scorer with 13 La Liga goals this season, will continue to lead the line.

Conclusion

Celta will be aiming for their first home win over Osasuna since January 2022, and their strong record at the Estadio Municipal de Balaidos this season should give them confidence.

Osasuna have struggled on the road but have managed to secure six draws from 11 away games. Nonetheless, the visitors will find it hard to get anything from this game.

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: ZetBet