Real Sociedad vs Rayo Vallecano Predictions & Match Preview

Real Sociedad vs Rayo Vallecano predictions and match preview for Saturday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for analysis, team news and predicted lineups as two European hopefuls meet.

Real Sociedad vs Rayo Vallecano Preview

Real Sociedad entertain Rayo Vallecano this weekend at the Reale Arena with both sides hoping to close in on a European place. It promises to be a good game between two of the season’s success stories, although it is true that both have faded a bit in recent months.

The hosts come into this following a disappointing Basque derby defeat in Bilbao last weekend. It was a close game as they usually are, but Athletic were the more clinical side on the day with Inaki Williams bagging a brace to seal the points for the hosts. The good news for Real Sociedad was that their most likely challengers for 4th, Villarreal, suffered a shock home defeat to Real Valladolid.

That result helps ensure La Real remain in pole position to qualify for next season’s Champions League but they need to win these sorts of games if they want to get over the line. 2-0 wins over Elche and Getafe in their most recent home outings have kept their points tally ticking over but they’ll be expecting a tougher game here against a competitive Rayo Vallecano side.

Andoni Iraola’s men claimed an overdue victory last time out, beating Osasuna 2-1 at Vallecas in the Friday night game with a fine goal from Isi Palazon helping them secure three points. The Madrid club had gone 8 without a win in LaLiga prior to that, but 5 draws in that period ensured they have still managed to hang around in the European picture and they are 3 points off 7th placed Athletic heading into this weekend.

Rayo do have two suspensions to contend with though here. Alejandro Catena and Alvaro Garcia are both out and the main problem Rayo do seem to have is a lack of depth across the pitch. Their ability to keep their key players fit for virtually the entire campaign has certainly been a factor in their success this term.

Team News & Possible Lineups

Real Sociedad

Possible XI: Remiro – Aihen, Pacheco, Zubelida, Gorosabel – Zubimendi – Merino, Silva, Brais Mendez – Oyarzabal, Kubo (4-1-3-2)

Coach: Imanol Alguacil

Rayo Vallecano

Possible XI: Dimitrievski – Fran Garcia, Lejeune, Mumin, Balliu – Comesana, Valentin – Salvi, Trejo, Isi – Camello (4-2-3-1)

Coach: Andoni Iraola

Score Prediction: Real Sociedad 2-1 Rayo Vallecano

This should be a good game between two sides who have a nice blend of technical quality whilst trying to sustain an intensity throughout the 90 minutes. Real Sociedad have played a bit better in recent weeks though after a really unconvincing spell and home advantage may just tilt this game in their favour.

PLEASE NOTE – Our LaLiga predictions are not betting tips! No profits are guaranteed if you’re using them to bet on Spanish football. If you are gambling, do so responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose. BeGambleAware.