Villarreal vs Real Sociedad Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Spanish Primera
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
When is Villarreal vs Real Sociedad on and what time does it start? Villarreal vs Real Sociedad will take place on Saturday 9th December, 2023 – 17:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Villarreal vs Real Sociedad? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Villarreal vs Real Sociedad on in the UK? Villarreal vs Real Sociedad will be televised live on LaLigaTV, but La Liga matches are also televised occasionally on Viaplay Sports and ITV
Where can I stream Villarreal vs Real Sociedad in the UK? Villarreal vs Real Sociedad can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
VILLARREAL
Following the appointment of former Olympique de Marseille and Valencia manager, Marcelino, performances and results have improved for Villarreal as they try and recover from a forgettable start to the campaign under the tutelage of Quique Setien and then Pacheta. The Yellow Submarine are pushing back towards the top-half of La Liga.
They come into this one on the back of a fairly frustrating goalless draw at home to Maccabi Haifa in the group stages of the UEFA Europa League, albeit with a much-changed side. That means Villarreal are now unbeaten in five matches across all competitions since Marcelino took charge at El Madrigal during the November international break.
REAL SOCIEDAD
Imanol Aguacil has coached one of the most intense pressing teams in Europe with Real Sociedad. The Basque club have consistently started seasons superbly before drifting once the fatigue kicks in and with UEFA Champions League football, the fatigue could occur sooner but what La Real are achieving remains remarkable with such a heavily academy-influenced squad.
The visitors come into this on the back of squeezing past Andratz in the Copa del Rey in midweek with a rotated side. That victory means they have suffered just one defeat in their last 11 matches across all competitions with that defeat coming against defending champions Barcelona. They have conceded more than one goal in a game on just four occasions so far.
THE TEAM NEWS
VILLARREAL
Villarreal are missing several players for this weekend with the likes of Aissa Mandi, Alex Baena, Yeremy Pino and Alexander Sorloth all unavailable.
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Jorgensen; Foyth, Albiol, Cuenca, Alfonso; Altimira, Comesana, Parejo, Brereton Diaz; Gerard, Morales
UNAVAILABLE: Baena (Injured), Mandi (Injured), Pino (Injured), Sorloth (Injured), Suarez (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Alberto Moreno (Injured), Parejo (Injured)
REAL SOCIEDAD
Real Sociedad have a couple of injury concerns but their biggest issue will be the suspension of their key defender, Robin Le Normand.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Alex Remiro; Traore, Zubeldia, Munoz, Tierney; Mendez, Zubimendi, Merino; Kubo, Sadiq, Barrenetxea
UNAVAILABLE: Le Normand (Suspended), Fernandez (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Merquelanz (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
Villarreal are in some genuinely good form and performances have very much improved but something remains unconvincing about Marcelino’s men. Their cup win, for example, came against third-tier opposition and was very scratchy. They now face a Real Sociedad side that are extremely difficult to score against, let alone beat. Given that, a double chance bet in favour of the away team would represent good value up against a Villarreal side still finding their feet under a new boss.
BETTING TIP: DOUBLE CHANCE – REAL SOCIEDAD TO WIN OR DRAW
