Villarreal vs Real Sociedad predictions, H2H and match preview for this Monday’s game in LaLiga. Read on for analysis, free betting tips and predicted line-ups as two European hopefuls clash.
by Mark Sochon (@marksoc1)
Villarreal vs Real Sociedad Preview
The battle for European places is heating up and there’s plenty at stake here as two of the contenders meet. Villarreal are almost certain to be in Europe next term but they need to win this to keep their slim Champions League qualification hopes alive. Real Sociedad meanwhile are now in real danger of slipping out of the European places altogether having looked like strong top four contenders at the time of the restart.
Villarreal were victorious against another European hopeful last time out. Two late goals secured a valuable 3-1 victory at Getafe, a match that descended into chaos at Full-Time with four red cards dished out as players clashed. The Yellow Submarine have been one of the most impressive sides in LaLiga since the resumption, winning 6 of their 8 games with their only defeat coming against Barcelona.
Indeed they’ve collected no fewer than 14 more points than Real Sociedad over this period to turn an 8 point deficit into a 6 point advantage. That’s as much to do with the poor form of La Real as their own brilliance. The Basques have not found any real fluency with their solitary win coming against bottom club Espanyol. A 3-2 home defeat against Granada last time out has done real damage to their chances of even making the Europa League.
We’re getting to a stage in the season where injuries and indeed suspensions are mounting for both clubs. As well as the suspension to Vicente Iborra, who was the Villarreal player to see red at Getafe, the hosts have big problems in attack here. Top scorer Gerard Moreno is suspended while Carlos Bacca is out injured. Paco Alcacer is also carrying a knock but Javi Calleja may feel he has no choice but to risk him given those other absentees.
Real Sociedad meanwhile have 6 players sidelined through injury including Joseba Zaldua and Adnan Januzaj. Martin Odegaard is expected to play but his lingering knee problem is a concern.
We have LaLiga match previews for every game plus some Segunda Division previews.
Villarreal vs Real Sociedad Predictions
Score Prediction: 2-2 Draw
This could be a really good game between two sides that are usually a good watch. Villarreal are clearly the form team but the absence of Gerard Moreno is really significant and will have a negative impact on the way they play. La Real have struggled in recent weeks but the freedom of a game where they are clear underdogs may just relieve some of the pressure and release some of the shackles. With Isak and Odegaard expected to be fit, we should see a better showing here from Imanol’s side and if Villarreal allow them the kind of space they afforded to Barcelona last weekend, La Real should have some joy in the final third and could get a result.
Villarreal vs Real Sociedad Betting Tips (18+)
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Villarreal vs Real Sociedad H2H
- Last 6 Competitive Meetings: 4 Villarreal Wins, 2 Real Sociedad Wins.
- The last 2 meetings were both at Anoeta and both won by Villarreal.
- Real Sociedad were 2-1 winners on their last visit to the Ceramica way back in August 2018.
- All of the last 4 meetings in Villarreal have seen both teams score.
Predicted Line Ups
Villarreal Team:
Asenjo – Moreno, Torres, Albiol, Gaspar – Anguissa, Trigueros – Ontiveros, Cazorla, Chukwueze – Alcacer (4-2-3-1)
Real Sociedad Team:
Moya – Monreal, Le Normand, Elustondo, Gorosabel – Merino, Zubeldia, Odegaard – Oyarzabal, Isak, Portu (4-3-3)
Read more: Valencian Community Football Guide
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