Villarreal vs Real Sociedad Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Villarreal looked to have secured UEFA Champions League qualification last weekend as they now take on a frustrated Real Sociedad side at El Madrigal in Castellon this weekend.
Kick-off date/time: Sunday 20th April, 2025: UK – 3:15pm / US ET – 10:15am / US PT – 7:15am
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so Villarreal vs Real Sociedad may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
Villarreal Preview: UCL hopefuls
Under the management of former Valencia boss Marcelino, Villarreal have been magnificent throughout the season as they challenge for UEFA Champions League qualification and they look to have secured that with a win away at Real Betis last weekend.
The Yellow Submarine defeated fellow top five challengers Betis by two goals to one at the Benito Villamarin with a winning goal scored by former Betis forward Ayoze Perez. They now begin this weekend sitting three clear of Betis with a game-in-hand in La Liga.
Real Sociedad Preview: The real La Real
Imanol Aguacil is coming under pressure in charge of Real Sociedad as La Real continue to underwhelm this season as they hover just inside the top-half of La Liga ahead of the 32nd match day of the campaign.
As well as fairly underwhelming results, they have also remained frustrating to watch this season with just 30 goals scored in their 31 La Liga games. Only the bottom two sides, Leganes and Real Valladolid, have scored fewer than the Basque giants in the league this season.
Villarreal Team News: A few doubts
Key player Alex Baena is a crucial injury doubt for Villarreal this weekend due to a calf issue. He is now a doubt alongside experienced defender Raul Albiol and Canada international Tajon Buchanan.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Junior; Kiko Femenia, Foyth, Costa, Sergi Cardona; Yeremy Pino, Santi Comesana, Dani Parejo, Alfonso Pedraza; Ayoze, Barry
Unavailable: Akhomach (Injured)
Questionable: Raul Albiol (Injured), Buchanan (Injured), Alex Baena (Injured)
Real Sociedad Team News: Martin Zubimendi suspended
Reported Arsenal, Liverpool and Real Madrid target Martin Zubimendi is missing through suspension for this weekend as they also deal with a few key injury doubts such as Nayef Ageurd, Arsen Zakharyan and Sheraldo Becker.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Alex Remiro; Jon Aramburu, Jon Pacheco, Aritz Elustondo, Aihen Munoz; Sucic, Julen Olasagasti; Kubo, Pablo Marin, Sergio Gomez; Mikel Oyarzabal
Unavailable: Martin Zubimendi (Suspended)
Questionable: Ageurd (Injured), Igor Zubeldia (Injured), Alvaro Odriozola (Injured), Zakharyan (Injured), Ander Barrenetxea (Injured), Becker (Injured)
Villarreal vs Real Sociedad Prediction
Villarreal have been good to watch this season with their 30 La Liga matches consisting of 93 goals. In contrast, the intense pressing style used by Real Sociedad to try and suffocate their opponents has often led to them being generally underwhelming and lacking much excitement as they close off too much space. Villarreal will fancy their chances of simply seeing off La Real at El Madrigal this weekend.
Villarreal vs Real Sociedad Tip: Villarreal to win