Thursday 16th February 2016 Kickoff: 1800hrs Celta Vigo v Shakthar Donetsk Football – Europe – Europa League Although the Champions League takes centre stage, the Europa League also returns and sees those who finished third in the group stage of Europe’s premier club competition join the top two from the equivalent phase of Europa League. One of the most interesting ties takes place in Spain as Celta Vigo host many people’s tips to win the whole thing, Shakthar Donetsk. The two last met 17 years ago when Celta edged the tie 1-0 on aggregate back when it was still known as the UEFA Cup.
Celta rode their luck at times during the group stage and although winning just two of their six matches, were able to secure second spot behind Ajax and just ahead of Standard Liege. Domestically it has been a frustrating season in many ways as Celta have promised a lot more than they have been able to deliver in terms of results. Much of the frustration is down to their run in the Copa Del Rey where they pulled off an excellent win over Real Madrid in the quarter finals only to then exit against Alaves in the next round – a game they would ordinarily be expected to win over the course of the two legs. That will irk both the coaching staff and players and their mood would not have been helped with their inability to twice hold on to the lead away to Atletico Madrid in the league on Sunday, eventually losing the game 3-2 despite being the better side. Those inconsistencies have blighted the Galician’s throughout the campaign but they have to find a way to put two complete performances together in order to progress from this tie.
Shakthar would have been extremely disappointed to have missed out on competing in this season’s Champions League as they surprisingly lost out to Young Boys from Switzerland during the qualifying rounds. It was not the start that Paulo Fonseca would have wanted having taking over just last summer, but to his credit he has responded in the best way possible and led his team to six straight wins in the group stage of the Europa League, scoring a remarkable 21 goals in the process. They have also dominated their domestic league after losing the title last season, and went into the winter break with a 13 point lead over nearest rivals Dynamo Kiev. With the league title looking all but wrapped up their place in next season’s Champions League looks assured meaning they will not have to rely on winning this competition to qualify. That said, the glory of winning what would only be the club’s second European trophy is still very much an aim and they appear to have a great chance of doing so.
Celta Vigo v Shakthar Donetsk Betting Tips
Shakthar are fourth favourites to win the Europa League but that may not be a true reflection of their chances. Both Manchester United and Tottenham are above them in the betting and whilst they have plenty of quality, English clubs do not tend to target this as a priority, and if there is a conflict between the Europa League and Premier League, the latter will nearly always win. Roma are the only other team fancied above Shakthar but they too are heavily involved in domestic business, and with such a big lead of their own, the Ukrainians may well be able to target this more so than others.
In terms of a selection for the game I fancy there to be goals in this one. Celta have a lot of attacking talent at this disposal and as the underdogs playing at home, will be aware of the need to try and take the game to their opponents. The visitors are free scoring and have goals all over the park, so playing away from home is unlikely to phase them. Both teams to score is the pick in this one but I would also advise a bet for Shakthar to win the Europa League outright and very generous odds.
Both teams to score 10/13 10bet
Shakthar to win Europa League 14/1 @ Boylesports
