LaLiga Preview: Athletic Bilbao Aims for Consecutive Wins Against Celta de Vigo as Nico Williams Suffers Ankle Injury

On September 22 at 22:15, the sixth round of the 2024-25 LaLiga season will see Athletic Bilbao host Celta de Vigo. Athletic Bilbao has been in good form recently, securing two consecutive wins. However, their star player Nico Williams sustained an injury to his left ankle during the last match. On the other hand, Celta de Vigo has shown impressive offensive capabilities and whether they can maintain this strong offensive performance may directly impact the outcome of this match.

Athletic Bilbao has played six LaLiga matches, achieving three wins, one draw, and two losses, accumulating 10 points and ranking sixth in the league. In the last two rounds, Athletic Bilbao defeated Las Palmas 3-2 and Leganes 2-0, securing two consecutive wins in the league. Unfortunately, Nico Williams was injured and had to be substituted off during the match against Leganes and left the field with crutches after the game. Subsequently, Athletic Bilbao announced that Nico Williams suffered a left ankle injury. As a result, it is expected that Nico Williams will be sidelined for some time.

Luckily, Iñaki Williams (elder Williams) has been in excellent form recently, recording a hat-trick of assists against Las Palmas and scoring a goal against Leganes. Considering that the match against Leganes took place on September 20, Athletic Bilbao’s players will face a significant physical challenge in this match against Celta de Vigo. Moreover, although Athletic Bilbao is playing at home, their home record this season stands at one win, one draw, and one loss, with a home win rate of 33%; in contrast, their away record is two wins and one loss, with an away win rate of 67%.

Celta de Vigo currently has three wins and two losses, earning nine points and ranking eighth in the league. Their last match was on September 15 against Valladolid, which they won 3-1, ending their losing streak. So far this season, there is a stark contrast between Celta de Vigo’s home and away records; they have won all three home games but lost both away games. It remains to be seen whether Celta de Vigo can secure their first away point of the season when they travel to face Athletic Bilbao.

In terms of tactical characteristics, Celta de Vigo is a team with a strong offense but weak defense, averaging 2.6 goals per game, the second-highest in the league after leaders Barcelona (3.4 goals per game); however, defensively, they concede an average of 2 goals per game, making them one of the teams with the second-highest average goals conceded in LaLiga, just better than Valladolid (2.17 goals per game). Iglesias, who joined Celta de Vigo this summer, has been in scorching form, scoring in three consecutive matches. Additionally, Duarte has finally opened his scoring account.

In terms of historical encounters, out of the last 30 meetings, Celta de Vigo has won nine, drawn seven, and lost 14, placing them at a disadvantage. However, in their most recent encounter, Celta de Vigo defeated Athletic Bilbao 2-1.

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