Preview: Celta Vigo vs. Eibar - prediction, team news, lineups

Celta Vigo will entertain La Liga strugglers Eibar on Sunday at the Estadio Municipal de BalaÃdos.

Celta Vigo come into this game on the back of a terrible run of results in recent weeks, and a loss against Eibar would make it five consecutive defeats in all competitions for the Galician outfit.

Match preview

After a miserable start to the season, Eduardo Coudet's Celta side looked to get their campaign back on track after picking up 16 out of a possible 18 points during the festive period.

Despite sitting 11th in the standings, consistency has proven to be hard to come by for Celta, who have lost their last three games in La Liga.

Against Manuel Pellegrini's Real Betis, Celta took the lead inside 15 minutes, thanks to a goal from Santi Mina. However, a Sergio Canales brace eventually saw Celta slump to another defeat.

If Coudet is to wrangle three points from this clash with Eibar, he will need to make sure his attackers are firing on all cylinders.

Star-man Iago Aspas has been the focal point of his side's attack for years, but will not be able to play a part in this game due to an ankle injury, meaning he is yet to find the net in 2021.

Eibar come into this tie equally as desperate for a win, with Jose Luis Mendilibar's side having only won one La Liga game in their last eight outings.

Los Armeros, who are currently 15th in the table, just two points off the relegation zone, have blown hot and cold this season but have ultimately had more bad days than good ones so far.

Fortunately for Mendilibar, his side's away form has been particularly good, with Eibar picking up 12 points on their travels this season. There is no doubt that the manager will be hoping his side can add to that tally on Sunday.

Eibar were unlucky not to come away from their midweek clash with Atletico Madrid with nothing to show for their endeavours.

After keeper Marko Dmitrovic stepped up and scored an early penalty for Los Armeros, Atleti fought back and eventually won the tie thanks to a Luis Suarez brace.

Celta Vigo La Liga form: WDWLLL Celta Vigo form (all competitions): DWLLLL

Eibar La Liga form: LLDWLL Eibar form (all competitions): DWWLLL

Team News

Coinciding with their poor run of results, Celta are in the midst of an injury crisis at the moment.

Aspas, Lucas Olaza, Jeison Murillo, David Junca and Sergio Alvarez are all currently unavailable for selection, while playmaker Denis Suarez is also suspended for this tie.

Mendilibar, in comparison, has no new injuries or absentees to concern himself with.

A big question for him will be whether or not he should start winger Bryan Gil, who is being slowly eased back into the fray following an injury layoff.

Celta Vigo possible starting lineup: Blanco; Mallo, Araujo, Aidoo, Caricol; Mendez, Tapia, Beltran, Nolito; Mina, Mor

Eibar possible starting lineup: Dmitrovic; Pozo, Oliveira, Arbilla, Bigas; Muto, Alvarez, Diop, Exposito, Gil, Kike

We say: Celta Vigo 1-1 Eibar

If recent results are anything to go by, this game could be a particularly dire affair between two sides without much going for them. We do not think anything will be able to separate them at the final whistle.

Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting a double chance bet on a home win or draw in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.