Krasnodar vs Celta Vigo
UEFA Europa League – Round of 16, Second Leg
Date: Thursday, 16th March 2017
Kick off at 18:00 UK/ 19:00 CET
Venue: Stadium FK Krasnodar.
Krasnodar :
Krasnodar went last week with 2-1 on Spanish soil, but thanks to their away goal, the Russians still fine papers in a place in the last eight of the Europa League. This would write the team history because Krasnodar satisfy itself never to qualify for the quarterfinals of the at-a-second most important club tournament in Europe.
Much will depend on whether or not to play key player Kabore. The midfielder from Burkina Faso was there last week against Celta Vigo because of injuries and not also left the league match last week against Lokomotiv Moscow (1-2 win) to pass them by. Kabore is still a question mark for Thursday, but chances are so great that he will again be absent. That would mean a hefty loss, though coach Shalimov has with players like Podberezkin, Claesson and Ramirez still plenty of quality. Not for nothing occupied Krasnodar in the Russian Premier League fourth place, just behind local big machen as Spartak Moscow, CSKA Moscow and Zenit St Petersburg.
Probable lineup FC Krasnodar
Kritsyuk; Bare Shin, Granqvist, Naldo, Ramirez; Kabore, Podberezkin, Gazinski; Wanderson, Smolov, Claesson
Celta Vigo :
Celta Vigo has the best credentials for a place in the next round, but the Spaniards realize only too well that the quarter-final place in the Europa League is far inside. “On Thursday we play a final,” said defender Mallo. “We’re going for the win, but must above all remain calm and not do crazy things.”
Celta Vigo had a bad dress rehearsal Monday by losing at home 0-1 Villarreal. Trainer Berizzo did however make it clear that the priority in Krasnodar-out is by tastemakers like Guidetti, Sisto, keep Jonny and Fontas on the side. Sergio Alvarez, Mallo, Marcelo Díaz and Radoja were the only ones at home against Krasnodar and a few days later at home against Villarreal appeared at kickoff. Understandable for a place in the Spanish middle is not to win much more at home. However, beyond national borders even more.
Goalkeeper Ruben Blanco and playmaker Pablo Hernandez are injured and have to shoot the trip to Russia, but Papiss Iago Aspas is of course of the party. In just 424 minutes, the striker signed for all four European goals. That includes the all important goal in the previous round in injury time against Shakhtar Donetsk, which Celta Vigo extension dragged from the fire at the last moment and is thus set yet for the eighth finals. Such heroic performances are obviously good for the confidence.
Probable lineup Celta Vigo
Sergio Alvarez; Mallo, Cabral, Roncaglia, Jonny; Radoja, Wass, Diaz; Guidetti, Aspas, Sisto
Krasnodar
Krasnodar conceded at least two goals in each of their last three fixtures in all competitions.
Byki sit at the 8th position after 18 rounds in the Russian Premier League and they will most likely be out of the European competitions next year.
Celta de Vigo
The story is quite similar with Celta de Vigo. The team led by Eduardo Berizzo dropped down to the 11th position in Primera standings after being winless in last four league games.
The Argentine manager rested his key men including Iago Aspas, Daniel Wass and Gustavo Cabral in the weekend’s home defeat to The Yellow Submarine.
Krasnodar vs Celta Vigo: Head to head
The first leg at Balaidos was the first ever head to head encounter between the two sides. The Sky Blue took a narrow 2-1 victory.
It was Claudio Beauvue who made the difference netting the 90th minute winner. Dani Wass has previously put Celta in charge, while Viktor Claesson levelled the score for the Russians.
Krasnodar vs Celta Vigo: Prediction
Krasnodar have an impressive home record so far in the season in Premier League as they lost a single fixture since the very start of the campaign.
Shalimov’s main problem lies at the back and the hosts will need to be completely focused in the defense if they want to secure the quarterfinal of the competition.
Celta managed to hold a clean sheet against Shakhtar on the road in the last round and they are certainly capable of doing the same against the Russians.
Anyhow, we believe that the host are quite underrated here and we’d advise you to escape backing the Spaniards to go through at 4/11 odds.
Krasnodar vs Celta Vigo: Bet Tips
The main betting prediction will be draw at the half time at the 21/20 odds.
You can alternatively go with BTTS at 19/20.
