Valencia vs Real Sociedad predictions, H2H and match preview for this Saturday’s game on the opening weekend in La Liga. Read on for analysis and predicted line-ups with both sides likely to hand debuts to new arrivals.
Valencia vs Real Sociedad Preview
Following back-to-back 4th place finishes, Valencia will have their eyes on the top four again this season. They perhaps haven’t done enough in the transfer market to suggest they can bridge the gap to the top three but this is a club that has been buoyed by their Copa del Rey win at the end of last term, the first silverware in more than a decade for one of the true Spanish football giants.
They commence the new campaign against a Real Sociedad side who might just be seen as darkhorses to make a top four challenge themselves following an intriguing summer in which they’ve turned to youth for inspiration. New boys Modibo Sagnan, Alexander Isak and Martin Ödegaard are all under 21 and it’ll be fascinating to see how they develop in the Basque Country this season.
Only one of those Sociedad new arrivals may start here though with Sagnan injured and Willian José likely to pip Isak to a starting role up top on the opening day. The extra competition may be just what the Brazilian needs to kick him into life and La Real are likely to come with a relatively positive approach although a point would clearly be a decent outcome for them.
Valencia meanwhile have uncertainty surrounding the future of Rodrigo Moreno who was expected to make a €60 million switch to Atleti this week but that move appears to be on hold for now. That may see new signing Maxi Gomez partnered by Kevin Gameiro in attack for this one while Jasper Cillessen is set for his competitive debut in goal.
Check out our 2019/20 season previews for both teams – Valencia | Real Sociedad
Valencia vs Real Sociedad Predictions
Score Prediction: 2-1 Valencia
Valencia dropped far too many points at the Mestalla last season but the arrival of a dominant target-man in the shape of Maxi Gomez is aimed to rectify that. It will make it tougher for opposing teams to drop very deep and deny Valencia space for their speedy players to exploit. Sociedad in any case tend to be a bit more expansive on their travels than some teams and that may just suit Marcelino’s men who look capable of chalking up an opening weekend victory.
Valencia vs Real Sociedad H2H
- Last 6 meetings: 3 Valencia Wins, 2 Real Sociedad Wins, 1 Draw.
- Valencia have won 3 of the last 4 meetings.
- There was only 1 goal scored in the fixtures last term, scored by Valencia at Anoeta.
- Sociedad have won on 3 of their last 6 trips to the Mestalla in all competitions.
Check out all our weekend La Liga previews and predictions here.
Predicted Line Ups
Valencia Team:
Cillessen – Piccini, Garay, Gabriel, Gaya – Soler, Parejo, Kondogbia, Guedes – Gomez, Gameiro (4-4-2)
Real Sociedad Team:
Remiro – Zaldua, Llorente, Elustondo, Munoz – Illarramendi, Zubeldia, Portu – Oyarzabal, Willian Jose, Odegaard (4-3-3)
Preview via Mark Sochon – Contact: marksochon@hotmail.co.uk | @marksoc1
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