Real Sociedad vs Elche Preview: Team News & Prediction
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A resurgent Real Sociedad have pushed themselves firmly into European contention as they now welcome a slipping Elche side to the Reale Arena in San Sebastian.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so any game may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Disney+ & Premier Player / US – ESPN+
Real Sociedad preview: Matarazzo’s La Real
Following the appointment of American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo in the mid-season winter break, Real Sociedad have surged up the table with some impressive performances and results.
That continued into midweek, too, as La Real made it through to the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey, courtesy of a hard-fought 3-2 defeat of their Basque rivals Deportivo Alaves the other day.
Elche preview: Entertaining Elche
Having returned to the top-flight of Spanish football last season, Elche have performed extremely well under the entertaining and progressive coaching of Eder Sarabia. However their form has been dipping for quite a while now.
They most revelry succumbed to a 3-1 loss at home to Barcelona in their most recent outing, last weekend. That has extended their current winless run of form to six matches across all competitions.
Real Sociedad team news: Brais Mendez suspended
Real Sociedad attacker Brais Mendez is missing through suspension for this one, while fellow attacker Ander Barrenetxea remains a doubt due to injury.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Alex Remiro; Jon Aramburu, Jonas Martin, Igor Zubeldia; Sergio Gomez; Guedes, Julen Gorrotxategi, Carlos Soler, Pablo Marin; Sucic, Mikel Oyarzabal
Unavailable: Unai Marrero (Injured), Inaki Ruperez (Injured), Brais Mendez (Suspended), Kubo (Injured)
Questionable: Zakharyan (Injured), Ander Barrenetxea (Injured)
Elche team news: Josan a doubt
Elche have a fresh concern as Josan is dealing with injury, while Rafa Mir works his way back from a hamstring injury with Hector Fort remaining a confirmed injury absentee.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Inaki Pena; John Donald, Victor Chust, Affengruber, Adria Pedrosa; Diangana, Federico Redondo, Marcos Aguado, German Valera; Alvaro, Silva
Unavailable: Hector Fort (Injured)
Questionable: Josan (Injured), Rafa Mir (Injured)
Real Sociedad vs Elche prediction
Real Sociedad have had a good squad throughout the season with some surprisingly strong depth, too. Their recruitment and youth production has been good and now they appear to have a coach that is embracing the culture of the city and the region, while also performing on the pitch. Elche will still believe they can throw a punch or two in attack but Real Sociedad have to be seen as firm favourites for this one in the Basque Country.
Real Sociedad vs Elche tip: Real Sociedad to win & both teams to score
