Real Sociedad vs Real Betis Preview: Team News & Prediction
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These two sides had differing experiences in UEFA competition during the week but one thing that they will potentially share is some fatigue as we head into the busiest time of the 2024/25 season.
Kick-off date/time: Sunday 1st December, 2024: UK – 5:30pm / US ET – 12:30pm / US PT – 9:30am
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 Real Betis may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
Real Sociedad Preview: Looking for the real La Real
Imanol Aguacil has implemented one of the most intense pressing styles of football anywhere in Europe. In the last few years that has led to excellent starts giving way to really poor finishes to a campaign but this time around they appear to have adjusted slightly with a slow-ish start now steadily improving as we move into winter.
La Real come into this one on the back of an impressive 2-0 defeat of Ajax at the Anoeta in the Basque Country in the league phase of the UEFA Europa League during the week. That victory against the improving Dutch giants means that the hosts have now suffered just four defeats in their last 14 matches across all competitions.
Real Betis Preview: Betis’ irritations
Former Malaga, Manchester City, Real Madrid and West Ham United manager Manuel Pellegrini is in charge of an experienced and recognisable Real Betis side but the lack of financial investment afforded to him and his squad does bring about the potential for stagnation and there are concerns of that for the next few months.
The Andalusians most recently suffered a 2-1 defeat to Mlada Boleslav after taking an early lead in that game in Czechia in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday. In La Liga, they have remained steady albeit without many thrills, most recently suffering a 4-2 defeat to struggling Valencia on an emotional day at Mestalla.
Real Sociedad Team News: Oskarsson doubt
Late in the summer transfer window, Real Sociedad brought in Orri Oskarsson from Copenhagen but the young and exciting striker is a slight injury doubt for this one.
La Real do have a couple of key defensive injury issues as right-back Ham Traore has suffered an ACL injury with Aritz Elustondo a doubt due to an ankle injury.
Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Alex Remiro; Jon Aramburu, Igor Zubeldia, Ageurd, Javi Lopez; Martin Zubimendi; Kubo, Sucic, Sergio Gomez, Ander Barrenetxea; Mikel Oyarzabal
Unavailable: Traore (Injured), Aritz Elustondo (Injured)
Questionable: Oskarsson (Injured)
Real Betis Team News: Betis injuries
Real Betis are dealing with several experienced injury issues with midfield a problem as former Leeds United midfielder Marc Roca is sidelined alongside William Carvalho.
Rumoured Tottenham Hotspur target Johnny Cardoso is sidelined alongside former Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin, whilst Abde Ez is a key injury doubt, too.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Silva; Sabaly, Marc Bartra, Natan, Perraud; Sergio Altimira, Lo Celso; Aitor Ruibal, Iker Losada, Abde Ez; Vitor Roque
Unavailable: Hector Bellerin (Injured), Johnny Cardoso (Injured), Marc Roca (Injured), Carvalho (Injured)
Questionable: Abde Ez (Injured)
Real Sociedad vs Real Betis Prediction
Real Sociedad have one of the more intense styles in European football but are often lacking goals due to a lack of precision in the attacking areas of the pitch. The Basque giants have adjusted to slightly conserve their energy this season. They face a Real Betis side that lack cohesion in attacking areas of the pitch with Manuel Pellegrini more from a freestyle old school. Those approaches could result in a fairly dull game for the neutral up in the Basque Country.
Real Sociedad vs Real Betis Tip: Under 2.5 goals
