Prediction: Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad

Verdict: Home team to score over 2,5 goals – yes

Best Odds: 11/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

Real Madrid and Real Sociedad have failed to live up to the expectations around them this season. While Los Blancos are in a dissapointing fourth place and all but out of the title race, Real Sociedad are quite far from fighting for a potential UEFA Europa League berth. And both sides will meet this Saturday aiming to leave their inconsistencies behind.

Real Madrid

It is quite hard not to label Real Madrid’s season as a disappointment. They were eliminated from the Spanish Cup by Leganes, are completely out of the title race, and they have a realistic chance to be out of the UEFA Champions League in the Round of 16 since they will play one of the best teams in the world in PSG. Zinedine Zidane has not been able to make the necessary adjustments, and that’s why Los Merengues sit in fourth place of the Liga standings. They are 10 points behind Atletico Madrid in second place, so right now it seems their best bet would be to try and secure a Champions League berth for the 2018-19 season. There are reasons for optimism, though, as their last Liga match at home was a 7-1 thrashing of Deportivo La Coruna. Will they repeat that here against a team that struggles on the road?

Team News

Real Madrid do not have many absentees ahead of this game. Jesus Vallejo, Dani Ceballos and Luca Zidane are all out, but neither plays a big role within the first team.

There is a high chance of a potential rotation here, considering Madrid will play against PSG in the UCL in only a few more days. So names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Sergio Ramos could get rest, just to name a few.

Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad are another team that has failed to live up to the expectations. While they were not expected to be a title contender, they had enough talent on the squad to perhaps fight for a UEFA Europa League berth. But instead, the Basque side sits in 14th place. In fact, they clinched a 5-0 win over Deportivo last week at the perfect time, because they were riding a four-game losing streak before that game. Real Sociedad must adjust their expectations and try to avoid relegation, but getting something out of Santiago Bernabeu could be a bit difficult. The Donostiarra side has not win ni each of their last six away games, with three losses in their last four. Will they turn things around this Saturday?

Team News

Real Sociedad could have several absentees ahead of this game.

Up to seven players could miss this game. The most important ones include Juanmi, Xabi Prieto and David Zurutuza.

Key Factors to Consider

• Real Madrid have won their last eight matches against Real Sociedad at home.
• There is a high chance of rotation for Real Madrid. As such, they could field a relatively weakened side ahead of this game.
• Real Sociedad are riding six-game winless streak away from home in LaLiga. They register two draws and four losses over that span.
• Surprisingly, Real Madrid have struggled a bit at home. They only have one win in their last five games across all competitions.
• Real Madrid have scored at least three goals in eaach of their last five games vs Real Sociedad at home.

Conclusion

Real Madrid have struggled a bit at home. But they have won their last games against Real Sociedad at home with ease, and I don’t expect that to change.

Expect Los Blancos to score 3+ goals in this one.

Verdict: Home team to score over 2,5 goals – yes

Best Odds: 11/20

Bookmaker: 888sport