AZ vs Real Sociedad predictions and match preview for Thursday’s game in the UEFA Europa League. Read on for the head-to-head and analysis as La Real travel to the Netherlands.
- DATE: Thursday 26th November 2020
- KICK-OFF: 21:00 (local time)
- VENUE: AFAS Stadion
- COMPETITION: UEFA Europa League (Group Stage)
AZ vs Real Sociedad Preview
LaLiga leaders Real Sociedad turn their attention back to European action on Thursday as they travel to the Netherlands for a potentially decisive game against AZ. There’s nothing to choose between the top three in Group F with these clubs along with Napoli tied on 6 points at the midway point.
Given La Real also still have to travel to Naples, there is pressure on them to get at least a draw here and preferably all three points. They did just that when the clubs met in San Sebastian three weeks ago but they were made to work hard by AZ with Portu’s 58th minute strike the only difference between the teams, although La Real did have virtually all of the play.
There was a similar kind of match at the weekend for the Basques as they won 1-0 at Cadiz with the hosts barely creating even a half opening in the game. Perhaps it’s a sign of how far Real Sociedad, who have won each of their last 6 league games, have come that teams are now showing them a great deal of respect and are sitting back very deep against them.
It’ll be interesting to see how AZ approach this. They are not a defensive side by nature and have fired in 19 goals in just 8 matches in the Eredivisie so far. They also scored 4 in their only home game so far in this competition – a convincing win against Rijeka who are yet to pick up a point in what is a tough Europa league group. AZ have won both league games since the reverse fixture and won’t lack belief having already caused a huge upset by winning away to Napoli on matchday 1.
Head to Head
- Real Sociedad won 1-0 in the first ever competitive meeting between the clubs three weeks ago.
AZ vs Real Sociedad Predictions
Score Prediction: AZ 1-2 Real Sociedad
In an ideal world, Imanol would have liked to have the option to rotate and rest some players here with a big league game against Villarreal this weekend. However he can’t really afford to that given a defeat would have very serious consequences for their chances of progress into the knockout stage and we ought to see La Real put everything into this. On current form, they should have enough quality to break down this AZ defence and claim the win.
UEFA Europa League Betting Tips (18+)
You can view our tips for this match by signing up to follow our All Competitions Portfolio for free on Tipstrr. We also have a post on the best European football tipsters with proven profitable records over the past 12 months.
Please note, we don’t guarantee any long-term gains if you’re backing our tips. If you do choose to bet, only stake what you can afford to lose. See BeGambleAware for more on responsible gambling.
Read our latest Champions League & Europa League match previews.
