Villarreal vs Real Sociedad match preview and predictions for Saturday’s LaLiga match. Read on for the head-to-head, team news and predicted lineups as two top six hopefuls meet.
- DATE: Saturday 30th January 2021
- KICK-OFF: 21:00 (local time)
- STADIUM: Ceramica
- COMPETITION: LaLiga
Villarreal vs Real Sociedad Preview
The final game on Saturday in LaLiga has the potential to be a really good one as two sides with strong European aspirations meet at the Ceramica. The momentum is with Villarreal but a Real Sociedad victory would make that battle for a top four finish slightly more interesting as they bid to stay in the race following a slump in form.
Villarreal continue to look strong contenders, although there is a fear that they are simply drawing too many games to compete with Sevilla for that 4th spot. 10 of their 20 league games this term have ended up all square, with only bottom club Huesca having drawn as many in LaLiga.
That record is a little bit surprising, given Villarreal are a team with match winners, particularly in the shape of Gerard Moreno who has been terrific this term, but is unavailable here. They showcased they do have the firepower to blow teams away when they went to Vigo and won 4-0 earlier this month but back-to-back draws against Granada and Huesca have halted their progress since then.
Real Sociedad have also got into the habit of drawing football matches. 10 of their last 16 have been level at 90 minutes, including their Copa del Rey trip to Real Betis last week. However two Borja Iglesias goals in Extra Time saw La Real exit the competition, despite yet again naming a strong XI.
Imanol’s commitment to the cups has been admirable, but a record of just 2 wins from that 16 game period marks a serious decline from their outstanding early season form. Hindsight may be a wonderful thing, but you’d imagine he will be questioning whether he might have been better sacrificing at least one of the cups to put his team in a better position to maintain their strong start in the league.
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Head to Head
- Last 6 Competitive Meetings: 3 Villarreal Wins, 2 Real Sociedad Wins, 1 Draw.
- The sides drew 1-1 in San Sebastian earlier this term.
- Real Sociedad have won 2-1 on their last 2 visits to the Ceramica.
- None of the last 5 meetings between these clubs have been won by the team playing at home.
Team News
Gerard Moreno and Samuel Chukwueze are missing for Villarreal so teenager Yeremi Pina should get another chance to showcase his talents.
David Silva is still an injury doubt for La Real who may rotate slightly following their midweek cup game.
Predicted Villarreal Starting Lineup:
Asenjo – Pedraza, Torres, Albiol, Pena – Trigueros, Capoue, Parejo – Pino, Alcacer, Gomez (4-3-3)
Predicted Real Sociedad Starting Lineup:
Remiro – Monreal, Le Normand, Aritz, Gorosabel – Merino, Guevara, Guridi – Oyarzabal, Isak, Portu (4-3-3)
Villarreal vs Real Sociedad Predictions
Score Prediction: Villarreal 2-2 Real Sociedad
This ought to be a really good game. Real Sociedad are a positive side and won’t just park the bus like some teams do at the Ceramica. Both teams have talented attacking players capable of producing moments of real quality but with both in the habit of drawing matches, it would be no surprise if the points are shared come Full-Time.
Villarreal vs Real Sociedad Betting Tips (18+)
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