Real Sociedad vs AZ predictions and match preview for Thursday’s game in the UEFA Europa League. Read on for analysis as La Real face a key game in their bid to reach the knockout stage.
- KICK-OFF: 18:55 (local time)
- VENUE: Anoeta
- COMPETITION: UEFA Europa League (Group Stage)
Real Sociedad vs AZ Preview
Real Sociedad are bidding to continue their strong start to the 2020/21 season when they host AZ in the Europa League on Thursday. They are under a little bit of pressure in this competition having lost at home last Thursday but La Real will be confident of putting maximum points on the board here against Eredivisie opposition.
Imanol’s side are top of LaLiga after another sparkling display at the weekend as they cruised to a 4-1 win over Celta Vigo. They’ve scored 18 goals so far in the league, 5 more than any other team and if they continue to challenge at the very summit of this division, there may come a moment when Imanol has to choose between prioritising domestic or European commitments.
La Real can’t afford to take too many risks here though. A 1-0 home defeat against Napoli last Thursday puts some pressure on the Basque side against the current leaders in this group. It’s early days but it already looks like it will be a three-way battle for the top two positions between these two teams and the Italian giants Napoli.
AZ have recorded maximum points from their two matches to date. They surprisingly won 1-0 in Naples on matchday 1 and then put four goals past Croatian side Rijeka in the Netherlands last week. Curiously though they have struggled a bit so far this season in their own league, winning just one of their opening six matches.
They have fired in 15 goals in those games though and are clearly a team that likes to play attacking football and possesses a goal threat.
Real Sociedad vs AZ Predictions
Score Prediction: Real Sociedad 2-1 AZ
This could be a really entertaining game. AZ are a positive side and they’ll really fancy their chances of progressing in this competition now having won their first two games. La Real may rotate slightly and Imanol may feel he has to rest David Silva here which could disrupt their creative flow. It could be close but the Basques ought to have a bit more quality to bring off the bench and that could be decisive in the Second Half as we approach the end of what has been a busy period for both sides.
UEFA Europa League Betting Tips (18+)
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