Real Sociedad vs Villarreal predictions and match preview for Saturday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for expert analysis, the head-to-head, team news and predicted lineups as La Real entertain the Yellow Submarine.
| Date | Saturday 18th December 2021 |
| Kick-Off | 16:15 (local time) |
| Stadium | Reale Arena |
| Competition | LaLiga |
Real Sociedad vs Villarreal Preview
Real Sociedad and Villarreal clash in what could be one of the games of the weekend in LaLiga. Both teams could do with some festive cheer after some poor recent results in LaLiga, although there has been European progress for supporters of both sides to celebrate.
There is something of a sense of deja vu for Real Sociedad. Much like last season, a flying start has made way for a serious dip in form as the winter sets in and talk of a potential title challenge has faded rapidly in recent weeks. That’s because they come into this game having failed to score in 4 league games, losing each of the last 3.
They were hammered 4-0 at Betis last weekend and while the scoreline certainly flattered the Seville club, it was a worrying result for Imanol as he looks for solutions to their current issues at both ends of the pitch. There was a 3-0 Copa del Rey win in midweek at Zamora to lift some spirits but they head into this game having failed to score more than once at home in LaLiga this term and that’s a worry against a team blessed with as much quality as Villarreal.
With European distractions out the way until February, this is a crucial period in the season for Unai Emery’s side and they really need to start putting results on the board and climbing the table. At the very least they need to secure European qualification of some form this season and that’s far from guaranteed right now with the Yellow Submarine down in 13th heading into this weekend.
With key players like Gerard Moreno fit again, they are just starting to build some momentum though with three straight wins in all competitions heading into this. Having won that crunch UCL game at Atalanta the week before last, they saw off Rayo 2-0 at home in LaLiga before firing seven in the Copa del Rey in midweek. There were useful minutes for some fringe players in that game but we will see wholesale changes here with Emery currently able to name something very close to his strongest XI.
Head to Head
- Last 6 Competitive Meetings: 2 Real Sociedad Wins, 2 Villarreal Wins, 2 Draws.
- Villarreal have won on 3 of the last 5 visits to Donostia, losing only once.
- Both meetings last term ended 1-1.
- None of the last 6 clashes between the sides have been won by the team playing at home.
Team News
Nacho Monreal is still out for Real Sociedad who have doubts over David Silva, Mikel Merino and Ander Barrenetxea.
Francis Coquelin and Arnaut Danjuma are doubts for the visitors.
Possible Lineups
Real Sociedad vs Villarreal Predictions
Score Prediction: Real Sociedad 0-2 Villarreal
The visitors carry all the momentum heading into this and there is a real sense that Real Sociedad are out of sorts right now. With La Real still struggling to get Mikel Merino fit, you fancy Villarreal may have the edge in midfield here and Dani Parejo could outshine David Silva in terms of getting control on this game. Real Sociedad will create chances but they are nowhere near clinical enough and the visitors may get all the points.
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Mark Sochon is an experienced football writer and editor of LaLiga Expert. Based in Madrid, he has covered La Liga and Spanish football for many years. He also covers Spanish and European football for Goal and Betfred, while his work has previously been published by the Guardian and World Soccer.