Real Sociedad vs Alaves match preview and predictions for Sunday’s LaLiga match. Read on for the head-to-head, team news and predicted lineups ahead of this Basque derby.
- DATE: Sunday February 21st 2021
- KICK-OFF: 16:15 (local time)
- STADIUM: Anoeta
- COMPETITION: LaLiga
Real Sociedad vs Alaves Preview
Real Sociedad return to Donostia after a very tough night in Turin in the Europa League. La Real can now really focus their efforts on trying to qualify for Europe again via the league and they’ll be hungry for three points here as Alaves visit Anoeta for a Basque derby clash.
While they have frequently performed to a very high level this term, Real Sociedad just couldn’t live up with the speed of Manchester United’s attacking game and ended up on the wrong end of an embarrassing 4-0 scoreline. Imanol perhaps should take some of the blame for a slightly naive set-up that was always likely to be exploited by the Premier League side.
Prior to that, Real Sociedad’s form had shown signs of picking up with no defeats in their previous seven games inside of ninety minutes. Despite a serious dip over the winter months, La Real are still well placed in 5th position and with no distractions, ought to be able to push on and secure Europa League qualification again.
As for Alaves, they’ve not made the most convincing of starts to life back under the leadership of Abelardo. His six games so far have produced four defeats and only one victory, although that was a significant win against fellow strugglers Real Valladolid.
They were hammered 5-1 at Camp Nou last time out by Barcelona and this won’t be much easier against a Real Sociedad side that has plenty of talented attacking players. If Alaves are going to beat the drop, the blueprint to their survival may have to be pretty similar to how it was during Abelardo’s first reign when they managed to turn Mendizorrotza into something of a fortress.
Head to Head
- Last 6 Competitive Meetings: 3 Real Sociedad Wins, 2 Alaves Wins.
- The sides drew 0-0 in Vitoria earlier this term.
- Alaves were beaten 3-0 on their last visit to Anoeta in September 2019.
- There have been 4 red cards in the last 3 league meetings.
Team News
We may see some light rotation from La Real who are missing Ander Barrenetxea to suspension and have a doubt over Aritz Elustondo.
Ximo Navarro is a doubt for the visitors who are missing Rodrigo Ely to injury.
Predicted Real Sociedad Starting Lineup:
Remiro – Monreal, Le Normand, Zubeldia, Gorosabel – Merino, Illarramendi, Silva – Oyarzabal, Isak, Portu (4-3-3)
Predicted Alaves Starting Lineup:
Pacheco – Duarte, Lejeune, Laguardia, Martin – Rioja, Battaglia, Pina, Mendez – Joselu, Perez (4-4-2)
Real Sociedad vs Alaves Predictions
Score Prediction: Real Sociedad 3-1 Alaves
La Real ought to bounce back from their European disappointment here. This Alaves side doesn’t really convince and worryingly looks short on defensive foundations, something Imanol’s team are more than capable of taking advantage of.
Real Sociedad vs Alaves Betting Tips (18+)
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