Real Sociedad too big for Celta trip as stars look set to rest

Copa del Rey
3.15pm Thursday

Real Sociedad's excellence on their travels has to convince them they can at least avoid defeat at the Balaidos in their round-of-32 first-leg showdown with Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey.

Ten of La Real's 12 points in La Liga this season have come away from home and they won 3-2 at Celta last season.

Both sides are in indifferent form and their managers are set to make changes because of that, so the bigger-priced visitors make some appeal, with the draw no bet as a safety net.

Celta have been in sorry nick under new coach Antonio Mohamed. They went six matches without a win before Sunday's 4-0 romp past Eibar in which Iago Aspas bagged a hat-trick.

Mohamed would have liked to give prized frontman Aspas a breather but with Maxi Gomez still out injured, he may not be able to afford that luxury.

If Aspas plays, Celta are a sterner proposition, though Mohamed is still expected to rest a number of his first-team players with a long trip to Real Betis to come at the weekend.

Real Sociedad boss Asier Garitano could give Adnan Januzaj a first start of the season and he too looks likely to ring the changes.

Recommendation
Real Sociedad draw no bet
1pt 6-5 Betfair, Betfred, Paddy Power

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