Thursday’s Europa League slate is full of matches with huge Round of 16 implications. With only two games left in the league stage, the points hit even harder. Celta Vigo and Lille are on the qualification bubble and will fight hard to keep their heads above water.
The line is fairly even in this match. Celta Vigo is the favorite to win, priced at +135 on the moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook. Meanwhile, a Lille upset is priced at +205, and a draw at +235. The total is set at 2.5 goals.
Let’s dig into a preview and prediction for this Celta Vigo and Lille contest.
Celta Vigo vs. Lille prediction, pick
With three wins and three losses apiece, Celta and Lille are tied for 18th in the league standings. Only the top 24 advance to the next round, and these squads are only two points clear of elimination — meaning a loss could end their Europa League campaign. Conversely, they’re four points back of automatic qualification for the Round of 16. Expect a knockout-type atmosphere in Vigo.
Celta needs to find its form if it hopes to stay alive. The team has lost two straight Europa League matches as favorites, putting their position in jeopardy. Celta’s play in La Liga as of late gives some hope, but they’re on a knife’s edge.
Two things are paramount for Celta in this match. First is the attacking group — the Spanish trio of Hugo Alvarez, Pablo Duran, and Bryan Zaragoza needs to step it up. All 24 years old or younger, they have a lot of talent but have not put together consistent results. They’ll need help from the veterans, another key part of this team. Borja Iglesias, Marcos Alonso, and Iago Aspas — all 33 or older — have performed well when called upon. Young manager Claudio Giraldez, who has put Celta in its best position since 2016, may call upon some vets for stability.
Lille has a fascinating mix of vets and youngsters as well. Half of their starting outfield players in their last league match against PSG are 22 or younger — and two of them are teenagers. Still, they make regular use of Olivier Giroud at the ripe old age of 39, who has not lost his touch — or his jawline — just yet.
That formula has worked so far, as Lille remains within striking distance of a Champions League spot in Ligue 1. But, first things first, they have a Europa League game to worry about.
I love the attacking potential of both of these sides, even if it hasn’t been fully realized yet. With so much on the line, they’ll take risks in their counters, and both sides will play aggressively when trailing. The over has a lot of value here.
