Real Sociedad vs Rayo Vallecano Preview & Prediction | 2024-25 Spanish Primera
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With a squad chock full of players that have come through the academy in San Sebastian, Real Sociedad have been one of the feel good stories of European football and they now face a Rayo Vallecano team and club that appear to be, simply, a ticking time bomb.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Sunday 18th August, 2024 - UK – 6:00pm / US ET – 1:00pm / US PT – 10:00am
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so Real Sociedad vs Rayo Vallecano may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
REAL SOCIEDAD PREVIEW: THE GLORY OF LA REAL
Under the management of Imanol Aguacil, Real Sociedad have established themselves as to what they believe they should be as a top six club in Spanish football. The Basque club have won the Copa del Rey and qualified for the UEFA Champions League in recent seasons and they have done so with a squad almost entirely made up of youngsters.
One of those academy graduates has been one of the key stories in the summer transfer window, too, with defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi rejecting Liverpool and opting to stay at the Anoeta. La Real have also added some intriguing players this summer with the arrivals of Sergio Gomez, Javi Lopez and Luka Sucic.
RAYO VALLECANO PREVIEW: RAYO WAITING FOR RELEGATION
Last summer, Rayo Vallecano, after finishing in mid-table as a newly-promoted side, then lost manager Andoni Iraola as well as several key players such as Alejandro Catena, Fran Garcia and Santi Comesana. They started the campaign well under Francisco but their form soon gave way and Inigo Perez came in.
Inigo Perez, the former assistant to Andoni Iraola, eventually steered them clear of the bottom three and the relegation places but the performances left a lot to be desired. He remains in charge for the new season but it has been a difficult summer window with controversial and president Raul Martin Presa yet to spend a penny in the market.
REAL SOCIEDAD TEAM NEWS: THE INTENSITY OF THE BOX MIDFIELD
It is widely agreed upon that when Real Sociedad are at it and fully fit, which is often in the opening few months of a season, that they are the most intense pressing team in European football.
They will continue to try and suffocate the opposition with a box midfield and the decision of Martin Zubimendi to stay put is absolutely essential to doing that effectively.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Alex Remiro; Alvaro Odriozola, Aritz Elustondo, Igor Zubeldia, Sergio Gomez; Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino; Kubo, Brais Mendez Ander Barrenetxea; Mikel Oyarzabal
UNAVAILABLE: Aihen Munoz (Injured), Zakharyan (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
RAYO VALLECANO TEAM NEWS: SMALL SQUAD BUT FULLY FIT
Inigo Perez does not have any injury concerns or suspension issues for the opening day of the season but it remains a limited pool of players for him to choose from with only three incoming transfers.
That said, with a full pre-season under his belt and being a disciple of Andoni Iraola, a fast paced and aggressive 4-2-2-2 may well be more grooved for the opening day of the season.
PREDICTED XI (4-4-1-1): Dani Cardenas; Ivan Balliu, Aridane, Lejeune, Mumin; Isi Palazon, Ciss, Gerard Gumbau, Jorge de Frutos; Trejo; Raul de Tomas
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
REAL SOCIEDAD VS RAYO VALLECANO PREDICTION
Real Sociedad will be thinking they can push towards the top four and the UEFA Champions League qualifying spots this season having kept the vast majority of their squad intact, albeit rumours persist over the future of Mikel Merino with Arsenal reportedly interested. Rayo Vallecano will travel to the Basque Country with many believing they are due for the drop and Real Sociedad will be confident of getting off the mark with a comfortable victory, especially with their home advantage.
REAL SOCIEDAD VS RAYO VALLECANO TIP: REAL SOCIEDAD TO WIN
