Athletic Bilbao vs Celta Vigo Predictions

• Both teams have scored in three of Athletic Bilbao’s last five home La Liga matches
• Both teams have scored in four of Celta’s five away league games this term
• Celta have been denied four goals and a penalty by questionable refereeing calls this season

Both teams can bag in Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao’s attempt to close the gap to the top four with a home victory against Celta Vigo could be compromised by the relegation-threatened visitors on Friday night.

The Basque team are unbeaten at San Mames since an opening round 2-0 loss to Real Madrid with three wins and two draws in five outings. They moved into fifth spot with a 3-2 win at Villarreal on Sunday, a result which could have been more convincing had they taken a couple of their chances when already 3-0 up.

Although the Yellow Submarines have been submerged in the bottom half of the table this season, they are not yet plumbing the depths Celta Vigo have reached after sinking into the relegation zone.

Benitez’s side have been short-changed by VAR

Since the last international break, Rafa Benitez’s side were beaten without scoring by Atletico Madrid and early pacesetters Girona.

But they have had to contend with some awful decisions, the latest being a stoppage-time penalty overturned after a VAR review in a brave 1-1 home draw with ten men against Sevilla. Celta, who have not gone down the Liverpool or Arsenal route by issuing a club statement on their misfortune, may be due a change of luck.

They have scored in four of their five away trips this term and can register against Bilbao, who have seen both teams hit the mark in three of their last five league contests at San Mames.