Celta have to ensure energy levels are high

La Liga
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Sporting Gijon desperately need some points to stave off the threat of relegation from the Primera Liga, but they entertain a Celta Vigo side who should still be buzzing after their European exploits.

Few gave Celta a chance of overturning a first-leg deficit in their Europa League second leg against Shakhtar Donetsk, particularly as the Spaniards had to negotiate the trip to Ukraine.

But they grabbed a late lifeline with a Iago Aspas penalty and then completed the job with a second goal in extra-time.

While that result is undoubtedly impressive their league away form has been moderate at best. They won in Gijon in April but have been successful in just two of their 14 road matches since.

Former Liverpool striker Aspas is a big goal threat having netted 12 times this season, but after such a long trip victory in Gijon is not a given, even though their opponents have been struggling all season.

General view of Sporting Gijon San Estadio El MolinonCredit: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce

After all, Celta needed two goals in the last three minutes to put the gloss on a 3-0 success over basement dwellers Osasuna in their last league game.

Any thoughts that a victory over Leganes a fortnight ago would galvanise Sporting were quickly extinguished by a 4-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid.

The only other team they have beaten since September 11 has been Osasuna, but while they have claimed just four points from their last nine matches, the only side they failed to score against in that run was Barcelona.

Much will depend how much the long trip has taken out of Celta, but it could prove to be a game that features quite a few goals, as the visitors fancy their chances and the home side's predicament means they cannot afford to sit back.

Recommendation
Over 2.5 goals
1pt 21-20 BetBright