Real Sociedad vs Real Betis match preview and predictions for Saturday’s LaLiga match. Read on for the head-to-head, team news and predicted lineups as these sides meet for the first of two clashes over the next few days.
- DATE: Saturday 23rd January 2021
- KICK-OFF: 18:30 (local time)
- STADIUM: Anoeta
- COMPETITION: LaLiga
Real Sociedad vs Real Betis Preview
Potentially one of the most watchable games this weekend in LaLiga comes from Anoeta where Real Sociedad are hosting Real Betis. La Real are usually a reliable source for entertainment and the same could be said of Betis who have made some positive steps in recent weeks under Manuel Pellegrini.
Given the quality of their football, it would be a shame if we see Real Sociedad fade completely out of top four contention in LaLiga this year, but their recent results suggest there is a danger that could happen. It’s just one win in nine league games now for La Real and while that was a sweet one against Athletic Club, they’ve failed to build on their Basque derby triumph.
Since then, Real Sociedad have taken just one point from their two league games against Osasuna and Sevilla. They also failed to make much impact at the Supercopa, losing to Barcelona on penalties in the Semi-Final but they have defeated Cordoba in the Copa del Rey since then. Willian Jose scored both goals in that game but the seemingly customary rumours about his January departure have gathered pace with an agreement reportedly in place for the Brazilian to join Wolves on loan.
Real Betis, who will also play host to Real Sociedad this coming week in the Copa, travel north with renewed optimism you’d imagine after some improved recent displays and indeed results. They’ve won 4 of their last 8 league games, taking 14 points over that period – a tally bettered by only four teams in the Spanish top flight.
There have only been two results when they’ve travelled this season in LaLiga. Manuel Pellegrini’s men have won four and lost six on the road with no draws. They most recently beat Huesca on their travels with a couple of late goals before seeing off Celta at home and with cup progress also secured, it has been a good start to 2021 for the green and white half of Seville.
Read all our LaLiga match previews here!
Head to Head
- Last 6 Competitive Meetings: 3 Real Sociedad Wins, 1 Real Betis Win, 2 Draws.
- La Real have won 3 of the last 4 meetings.
- They won 3-0 at the Benito Villamarin earlier this season.
- Betis haven’t won on any of their last 13 visits to Anoeta.
Team News
Aihen Munoz is banned for the hosts. Asier Illarramendi is finally fit again and featured in the Copa del Rey and could be used off the bench here. David Silva is still out.
Betis have a number of minor doubts with Marc Bartra, Aitor Ruibal, Guido Rodriguez and Claudio Bravo all carrying injuries.
Predicted Real Sociedad Starting Lineup:
Remiro – Monreal, Le Normand, Zubeldia, Gorosabel – Merino, Guevara, Guridi – Oyarzabal, Isak, Portu (4-3-3)
Predicted Real Betis Starting Lineup:
Joel – Miranda, Ruiz, Mandi, Emerson – Rodriguez, Canales – Lainez, Fekir, Rodri – Loren (4-2-3-1)
Real Sociedad vs Real Betis Predictions
Score Prediction: Real Sociedad 1-1 Real Betis
With two games between these two in the space of a week, it’ll be interesting to see who gets the better of this double-header. Real Sociedad overall have a bit more quality, but Betis are in better form and certainly take more momentum into this one. With La Real wasteful in front of goal and seemingly about to let their most convincing striker leave, this could be another frustrating watch for Imanol and Betis may well break their duck in terms of away draws.
Real Sociedad vs Real Betis Betting Tips (18+)
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