Leganes vs Real Sociedad Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Leganes have endured a difficult start to the campaign since gaining promotion to the top-flight last season as they sit comfortably outside of the bottom three ahead of facing a potentially fatigued Real Sociedad side at Butarque this weekend.
Kick-off date/time: Sunday 8th December, 2024: UK – 1:00pm / US ET – 8:00am / US PT – 5:00am
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so Leganes vs Real Sociedad may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
Leganes Preview: Front foot Lega
With just three victories in their opening 15 matches of the campaign, there may be a suggestion that Leganes would be frustrated with how they have started this season but performances have been improving and they are trending in the right direction with Borja Jimenez sticking with the progressive style of football that saw them win the second-tier.
Los pepineros come into this one on the back of a hard-fought penalty shootout defeat of Estepona in the second round of the Copa del Rey in midweek. They have only lost one game to teams that finished outside of the European spots from last season with a defeat to Mallorca in August only being followed by losses to Betis, Athletic, the Madrid giants and Girona.
Real Sociedad Preview: Intensity of La Real
Real Sociedad survived a massive scare in midweek as they needed extra-time to defeat lower league Conquense by a goal to nil thanks to a 92nd minute winner from Brais Mendez. The extra half-hour will not be welcomed by a side known for their intense pressing style of football under increasingly under pressure boss Imanol Aguacil.
The Basque giants usually start seasons well before fading but it appears to have flipped on its head this time around with a slow start now being followed by a run of just four defeats, two in La Liga and two in the UEFA Europa League, in their last 16 matches across all competitions since a disastrous beginning to the campaign.
Leganes Team News: The frustration for Enric Franquesa
Enric Franquesa was a key man for Leganes during their promotion-winning season and after a slow start he had emerged as a key man in the top-flight for Lega before suffering an ACL injury the other week.
Aside from the utility man, there are no other definite absentees with no fresh injury concerns as former Real Mallorca midfielder Dani Raba remains an injury doubt for the hosts.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Dmitrovic; Rosier, Sergio, Nastasic, Javi Hernandez; Renato Tapia, Neyou; Miguel de la Fuente, Oscar Rodriguez, Juan Cruz; Haller
Unavailable: Enric Franquesa (Injured)
Questionable: Dani Raba (Injured)
Real Sociedad Team News: No Oskarsson
Orri Oskarsson, who joined La Real amid Manchester City interest late in the summer, has shown some bright sparks this season but is now injured due to a calf issue.
Ham Traore started the season injured, got himself fit but is now dealing with an ACL injury, whilst summer signing Luka Sucic is also a doubt for this weekend.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Alex Remiro; Jon Aramburu, Igor Zubeldia, Ageurd, Alex Munoz; Brais Mendez, Martin Zubimendi, Bryan Turrientes; Kubo, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ander Barrenetxea
Unavailable: Traore (Injured), Zakharyan (Injured), Oskarsson (Injured)
Questionable: Aritz Elustondo (Injured), Sucic (Injured)
Leganes vs Real Sociedad Prediction
As mentioned, Leganes have managed to avoid losing to ‘the rest’ in La Liga but Real Sociedad do fall into the category of the seven teams that qualified for UEFA competition last season. They will be a little more reactive and defensive as they welcome a frustrated Real Sociedad side to Butarque, who have had key players such as Mikel Oyarzabal openly question coach Imanol Aguacil. The two teams have combined for just 27 goals scored so far this season and a low-scoring encounter is to be expected for this one.
Leganes vs Real Sociedad Tip: Under 2.5 goals
