Next Saturday, 7th of February 2015, a moralized Celta de Vigo will travel to the Basque Country to go head-to-head with David Moyes’ Real Sociedad at Anoeta for round 22 of the Spanish Liga BBVA, on a match of paramount importance for both sides since a defeat could place them dangerously close to the relegation zone.

The Galician team has finally managed to break free from the chain and returned to wins against Córdoba at Balaídos last Saturday. A goal from the Spanish international Nolito was enough to grant Los Celestes the three points that kept escaping them since their historical win at Camp Nou last November. Nolito’s splendid goal put an end to a never ending streak without wins that have pushed Celta into the second half of the league table.

The Balaídos match against Córdoba was particularly entertaining with Celta in control during the first-half and with the Andalusia’s side fairly more dangerous after the break. Celta’s forward Larrivey was particularly uninspired last Saturday’s night as he failed to net in several goal chances created by his teammates.

The referee’s performance was also far from impressive, with both teams questioning several decisions made by José António Vitienes throughout the entire match. Los Celestes’ head coach, Toto Berizzo, was sent off after protesting a referee’s decision and will probably not be able to lead his team at Anoeta next weekend.

For that particular important match, the Argentinean manager will not be able to rely on the services of Hugo Mallo and Borja Oubina, who are currently sidelined due to injury.

As for Real Sociedad, the Basque team left a very pale image of themselves on their visit to Santiago Bernabéu last Saturday and left Madrid with a heavy 4-1 defeat in their bags. David Moyes’ boys started the match at a good pace and opened the score on the first minute after a goal from Elustondo. The Basque team’s advantage didn’t last long, however, since the Colombian wonderboy James Rodríguez leveled the score just two minutes after that. After Los Blancos’ goal, Real Sociedad lost focus and allowed the current World and European champions to build a comfortable win.

The Basque team continues with its inconsistent performances and they will not be able to rely on one of their most influential players, the Mexican flamboyant forward Carlos Vela, for the Anoeta’s match against Celta.

It is hard to name any favourites for next Saturday’s match, although, if we have in mind what Celta have already achieved this season, we might point them as favourites for the Anoeta’s clash.

Real Sociedad

Stats: W-1 L-2 D-2

Recent Form - LWLDD

Celta

Stats: W-2 L-2 D-1

Recent Form - WLLWD

Possible Line-ups

Real Sociedad (4-4-1-1) - Rulli - Elustondo - Gonzalez - I. Martínez - La Bella - Granero - Canales - Gorka - Pardo - Prieto - Agirretxe

Celta de Vigo (4-3-3) - Sérgio Álvarez - Gomez - Fontas - Planas - Cabral - Augusto - Radoja - Krohn Dehli - Santi Mina - Nolito - Larrivey

Prediction

Real Sociedad 1 Celta de Vigo 2