Prediction: Real Madrid to win 1-0
Best Odds: 7/1
Bookmaker: Betfair
Real Madrid will kick off the defence of their La Liga title this season when they take on Real Sociedad away from home this weekend. The match is slated to kick off at the Reale Arena at 8pm on Sunday, and it promises to be a very entertaining match and should be an intriguing watch.
Real Socieded
Real Sociedad enjoyed a good season in La Liga in 2019-20, as they finished sixth in the league table and qualified for the group stage of the Europa League. Imanol Alguacil was appointed the head coach of La Real in 2018, and he has done a wonderful job so far. The Basque side are good to watch, and they have some wonderful players such as Diego Llorente, Willian Jose and Asier Illarramendi.
Sociedad made the headlines easier this summer when they signed David Silva on a free transfer following the Spanish playmaker’s exit from Manchester City. Silva will be a big player for the Basque club this season, who could end up challenging for the Champions League places.
Team news
David Silva is back in training with Sociedad after recovering from coronavirus, and the Spanish attacking midfielder is likely to start against Zidane’s Madrid this weekend.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid won the La Liga title last season, as Barcelona imploded and failed to challenge their bitter rivals until the very end. Zinedine Zidane’s side ended up as many as five points ahead of second-placed Barcelona to clinch what was their first league title since 2017. Barcelona have dominated the domestic arena in recent seasons, but with the Blaugrana having problems of their own, Los Blancos will be confident of making it back-to-back league title triumphs this season.
Madrid have yet to make a single major signing in the summer transfer window, as Spanish clubs struggle due to the coronavirus pandemic. In fact, Los Blancos are making the headlines for selling players. Midfielder Daniel Ceballos has returned to Arsenal on another season-long loan deal, while Sergio Reguilon and Gareth Bale appear to be on their way to Tottenham Hotspur. James Rodriguez has already parted company with Madrid and has joined Everton on a permanent contract.
Team news
Eden Hazard could be back for Madrid’s opening game of the new season, with the former Chelsea attacking midfielder having struggled with injury problems throughout the 2019-20 campaign. The Belgium international has an ankle problem, but he could be at least on the substitutes’ bench against Sociedad. However, playmaker Isco is doubtful for the match on Sunday evening due to an ankle injury, and so is Martin Odegaard, who actually spent the 2019-20 campaign on loan at Sociedad.
Key Factors to Consider
- Madrid won La Liga last season by five points.
- Sociedad finished sixth in the league table last season.
- Madrid won 2-1 the last time they faced Sociedad.
Madrid won both their league games against Sociedad last season.
Sociedad finished sixth in La Liga last season.
Conclusion
With Madrid having injury problems and losing star attacking players, it is likely that they will not score too many goals. However, Los Blancos have a better team than Sociedad, with Karim Benzema will be determined to pick up where he left it last season. It is very likely that Madrid will pick up all three points from the encounter.
Prediction: Real Madrid to win 1-0
Best Odds: 7/1
Bookmaker: Betfair
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