Overview
Sevilla closed the first 18 rounds of La Liga this season with a record of 6 wins, 2 draws, 10 losses, and 20 points. They are 12th and only 4 points ahead of the relegation group.
Coach Matias Almeyda's team entered the next match in a declining context, losing 3 consecutive matches in all competitions.
They succumbed to Alaves in the Copa del Rey, then successively lost to Real Madrid and Levante in La Liga. More worryingly, Sevilla has been goalless in the last 3 matches, conceded 6 goals, and lost 4 home matches in La Liga this season.
However, compared to last season - when Los Nervionenses only finished 17th, just 1 point ahead of the relegation spot - Sevilla has shown signs of improvement. However, they are still very far from the image of a stable period in the leading group, when they were 3 consecutive seasons in fourth place (2020-2022). In fact, in the last 3 seasons, the Andalusia team only ranked 12th, 14th and 17th respectively, clearly reflecting a prolonged decline.
In the opposite direction, Celta came to this match with a mental boost after a 4-1 victory over Valencia. The blue shirt team also has positive form in La Liga when winning 10 points in the last 4 matches.
Last season, Claudio Giraldez's team finished in seventh place to win a direct ticket to the Europa League group stage. And in the current season, they are seventh after 18 rounds with a record of 6 wins, 8 draws, 4 losses, 2 points behind sixth-placed Real Betis.
Celta has only lost 4 matches in La Liga this season, but too many draws have prevented them from rising higher in the league table.
Regarding head-to-head record, last season Celta lost to Sevilla 0-1 in the first leg, but the rematch at Vigo closed with a 3-2 victory for the home team.
Personnel situation
Sevilla will enter this match with significant shortcomings in force. Gabriel Suazo, Cesar Azpilicueta and Alfon Gonzalez are absent due to injury, while Marcao is suspended.
Besides, the home team also cannot use Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke because both are participating in the African Cup.
On the attacking front, Alexis Sanchez is predicted to be present, and Isaac Romero - the author of 3 goals in La Liga this season - is also likely to be named in the starting lineup.
In the opposite direction, Celta traveled with an almost optimal force, when the away team had full personnel options for the match at Sevilla's stadium.
In attack, Borja Iglesias is in high form this season, with 10 goals after 24 appearances in all competitions. The 32-year-old striker is expected to continue to lead the opponent's spearhead.
Iago Aspas and Pablo Duran are noteworthy options for the task of supporting the center forward, while Williot Swedberg and Bryan Zaragoza may also be considered for a starting spot.
Expected lineup:
Vlachodimos, Carmona, Gudelj, Salas, J. Sanchez, Agoume, Mendy, Oso, Sow, Romero, A. Sanchez.
Celta Vigo: Radu, Alonso, Starfelt, Rodriguez, Carreira, Roman, Moriba, Mingueza, Swedberg, Iglesias, Zaragoza.
The match between Sevilla and Celta Vigo takes place at 3:00 AM on January 13 (Vietnam time).
