Verdict: Real Sociedad win
Best Odds: 20/21
Bookmaker: Luckster
Two sides who have their sights set on punching a European ticket this season, Real Sociedad will welcome Villarreal to the Reale Arena on Monday night.
Real Sociedad
Starting with the hosts, while Real Sociedad might have signed off 2024 with a 2-0 loss away at Celta Vigo, it appears that might have just been a minor boost for Imanol Alguacil’s camp. Extending on their Copa del Rey adventure last weekend as they secured a 2-0 victory away at Segunda outfit Ponferradina, the Basque-based outfit have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions. Looking to find a route into the European spots, Sociedad will be excited by their recent defensive steel. Last seen in Europa League action claiming a routine 3-0 win against Dynamo Kyiv, Monday’s hosts have have conceded just a single goal since November 24th. It should also be noted, Alguacil’s side have recorded five consecutive clean sheets at the Reale Arena.
Real Sociedad Team News
Picking up a costly second-half booking away at Celta Vigo last month, former Spain U21 international Igor Zubeldia will serve a one-match suspension here. However, still dealing with a long-term knee injury, Hamari Traore remains on the sidelines and will not feature on Monday night.
Once again missing out in Copa del Rey action last weekend, midfield talisman Martin Zubimendi remains a doubt. Recording five goals in his previous seven appearances across all competitions, Mikel Oyarzabal will lead the line here.
Villarreal
As for the visitors, making a much-welcomed return to winning ways last time out as they secured a frantic 5-2 victory away at Leganes, Villarreal will be desperate to use that performance as a platform to build on. However, although the Yellow Submarine might mark their return scrapping it out in the European chase, Marcelino’s men have struggled to find any recent stability. Watching their Copa del Rey adventure come to an end on December 4th as they fell to a 1-0 loss at the hands of fourth-tier outfit Pontevedra, Monday’s guests have recorded just a single win from any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions. Failing to record back-to-back domestic victories since returning from November’s international break, Villarreal should face another stern challenge here.
Villarreal Team News
Shown a booking against Leganes prior to Spain’s festive break, Villarreal will be without Yeremi Pino on Monday night. While former Newcastle striker Ayoze Perez might be inching towards a first-team return, the Spanish international will not feature here.
Bagging a sensational La Liga hat-trick away at Leganes on December 22nd, ex-Basel youngster Thierno Barry will keep his spot leading the line. Recently returning from a long-term knee injury, one-time Tottenham star Juan Foyth could make a first La Liga start of the season.
Real Sociedad vs Villarreal Key Factors to Consider
- When Real Sociedad and Villarreal last met back in February 2024, Monday’s guests collected a shock 3-1 victory at the Reale Arena.
- However, Villarreal have recorded just a single victory from any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions.
- Real Sociedad have conceded just a single goal in any of their last eight matchups across all fronts.
- Likewise, La Real have recorded five consecutive clean sheets at the Reale Arena.
- Spanish marksman Mikel Oyarzabal has scored five goals in his previous seven appearances across all competitions.
Conclusion
While Villarreal might have claimed a stellar 3-1 victory when they last travelled to the Reale Arena, Monday’s guests should have a tough challenge on their hands here. With Real Sociedad suffering just a single defeat from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions, the European chasers have continued to gain a reputation for their defensive steel. Not shipping a a sole strike in front of their own supporters since the end of October, we are backing a home victory in the Basque Country.
Verdict: Real Sociedad win
Best Odds: 20/21
Bookmaker: Luckster
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
