Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 17/25
Bookmaker: ZetBet
Real Madrid aim to preserve their unbeaten run in the 2024-25 season as they head to San Sebastian for Saturday’s La Liga clash against Real Sociedad.
Los Blancos currently occupy second place with eight points, while the home side sits in 14th, having collected four points from their four matches.
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad have endured a disappointing start to the new season, securing only one win from their first three matches.
Their sole victory came on matchday two when Take Kubo’s late strike earned a 1-0 away triumph over newly-promoted Espanyol.
However, Imanol Alguacil’s team followed that success with a narrow loss to Basque rivals Alaves, and most recently, a goalless draw against Getafe at the Coliseum.
Lacking sharpness in attack, La Real have not managed to score more than one goal in any of their four matches so far this season.
They’ve also been unable to claim any points from their first two home games at the Reale Arena, suffering 2-1 defeats to both Rayo Vallecano and Alaves, leaving them as one of three teams yet to register a home point in La Liga.
Although Sociedad will hope to spark their season with a win over Real Madrid, that task looks challenging, given they’ve only managed one victory in their last nine encounters with Los Blancos, along with three draws and five defeats.
Team News
Real Sociedad’s attacking options have taken a hit with captain Mikel Oyarzabal sidelined due to a knee injury sustained while on international duty with Spain.
Hamari Traore is also facing a lengthy absence after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Getafe, while Brais Mendez and Arsen Zakharyan are out with foot and ankle injuries, respectively.
On a brighter note, both Alvaro Odriozola and Ander Barrenetxea have recovered from their fitness concerns and are expected to be available for Saturday’s squad.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid may have started the league season unbeaten, but their struggles on the road have left them four points behind early leaders Barcelona, who have won all four of their La Liga matches so far.
Los Blancos have been held to 1-1 draws in both of their away fixtures against Mallorca and Las Palmas, while they secured full points in their home encounters with Real Valladolid and Real Betis.
After going without a goal in his first three La Liga appearances, Kylian Mbappe finally opened his account before the international break, scoring twice to lead Carlo Ancelotti’s side to a 2-0 victory over Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu. That win extended Real Madrid’s unbeaten league run to 31 matches, meaning it has been almost a year since their last La Liga defeat, which came in the derby against Atletico Madrid.
Looking to extend that streak, Real Madrid will aim for a third consecutive victory over Real Sociedad on Saturday, following 2-1 and 1-0 wins in last season’s meetings.
Ancelotti will also challenge his team to come out of the blocks quicker, as only two of their seven league goals this season have come before the 60th minute in their first four matches.
Team News
David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga remain out with knee injuries, while Dani Ceballos is unavailable due to an ankle issue.
However, Los Blancos have received a boost with Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni returning to full training, though both are unlikely to start.
Eder Militao, who returned early from international duty after picking up a muscle injury during Brazil’s training, is expected to be fit and will likely partner Antonio Rudiger in central defence.
Mbappe will continue to lead the line, with support in attack from Rodrygo, Arda Guler, and Vinicius Junior.
Conclusion
Having drawn their first two away matches, Real Madrid will be eager to secure their first road win in Saturday’s encounter. They should have enough quality to overcome a Real Sociedad team that has lost both of their home league games this season.
Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 17/25
Bookmaker: ZetBet
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