Athletic Club are in the bottom three heading into the third round of La Liga fixtures. They’re hoping to pick up their first points at the Estadio de Balaídos against Celta Vigo on Sunday.
Celta Vigo hit by Alonso suspension
Having been in front against Osasuna on Thursday night, a red card for Marcos Alonso ultimately contributed to a 2-1 defeat for Celta Vigo. The defender is suspended this weekend as a result.
Striker Borja Iglesias is also sidelined with an injury, so Ferran Jutglà is set to rotate in. The 27-year-old scored nine goals in 30 league appearances last season, but is yet to even register a shot in two outings this term.
Claudio Giráldez is a firm believer in freshening up his team when they play two games in quick succession. That means Carl Starfelt, Sergio Carreira and Aleix Febas will also earn recalls.
Celta Vigo predicted lineup vs Athletic Club (3-4-2-1): Radu; J. Rodríguez, Starfelt, Faye; Rueda, Román, Febas, Carreira; H. González, Swedberg; Jutglà.
Athletic Club reeling after a slow start under Terzić
Following defeats to Sevilla and Barcelona, there is pressure on the Athletic Club players to put in a performance and give new boss Edin Terzić his first win in La Liga. His options are boosted by the return of Yuri Berchiche from suspension.
There may be other changes as Los Leones bid to bounce back from a 2-0 loss at Camp Nou. Beñat Gerenabarrena is ready for a recall in midfield, and Jesús Areso will feature at right-back.
Nico Williams was deemed fit enough to start on Thursday. The Spain international is targeting a much-improved season, after he only managed six goals and three assists in 25 La Liga 2025/26 outings.
Athletic Club predicted lineup vs Celta Vigo (4-2-3-1): Simón; Areso, Yeray, Laporte, Yuri; Gerenabarrena, Ruiz de Galarreta; I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams; Guruzeta.
Celta Vigo vs Athletic Club Prediction
- Safe Tip: Over 1.5 goals
- Odds: 1.32 (22Bet)
- Correct score prediction: Celta Vigo 2-2 Athletic Club
- 22Bet Booking Code: R9U1H
Key stats:
- Over the last three seasons, meetings between Celta Vigo and Athletic Club have averaged 3.5 goals per 90 minutes.
- Six of Celta’s previous seven competitive home fixtures have produced at least two goals.
- Including friendlies, nine of Athletic’s 10 outings under Terzić have delivered two or more goals.
Backing over 1.5 goals is a safe pick. That has been a winning bet in all of Athletic Club’s previous five games in La Liga. They are trying to bring through some young players and shift to a more expansive style of football under Terzić, but that process is currently leaving them vulnerable defensively.
Celta also look to take risks and chase victories under Giráldez. Their league games averaged 2.66 goals per 90 minutes last term. Only one other club outside of the top five could better their 53-goal return.
Celta Vigo vs Athletic Club Prediction, Value Tip
- Value Tip: Both teams to score
- Odds: 1.8 (22Bet)
- 22Bet Booking Code: 5681H
Athletic were at least able to field all of their main attacking players in Barcelona, which has often not been the case in 2026 due to injuries. Three of their past four league games have seen both teams score, and that bet offers value here.
La Liga matches at Balaídos last term also tended to deliver entertainment, with 63% of Celta’s home outings seeing both teams score.
Verdict: Over 1.5 goals (1.32) — Celta Vigo 2-2 Athletic Club
