Real Sociedad vs Villarreal Preview: Team News & Prediction
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We have two of the pretenders to the top four spots in La Liga with a resurgent Real Sociedad side facing a Villarreal side trending in the opposite direction in the Basque Country this week.
Kick-off date/time: Monday 13th January, 2025: UK – 8:00pm / US ET – 3:00pm / US PT – 12:00pm
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 Villarreal may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
Real Sociedad Preview: The real La Real
Real Sociedad, who usually start seasons well before fading with one of the most intense pressing styles of any club in European football, started this season very poorly but have since risen back into contention for a top six spot in La Liga this season.
La Real come into this one on the back of a comfortable 2-0 defeat of Ponferradina in the Round of 32 of the Copa del Rey last weekend thanks to goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Brais Mendez. They have suffered just one defeat in their last eight matches across all competitions.
Villarreal Preview: Sinking Yellow Submarine
Coached by former Valencia boss Marcelino, Villarreal have been entertaining to watch this season and generally impressive but they went into the winter break having slipped out of the top four and the UEFA Champions League spots.
The Yellow Submarine most recently managed an impressive 5-2 defeat of struggling Leganes at Butarque before Christmas a few weeks ago. That much-needed win ended a six-match winless run of form across all competitions for the visitors.
Real Sociedad Team News: Igor Zubeldia suspension
Once again linked with a move away from the club, Martin Zubimendi is an injury doubt for Real Sociedad this weekend. They are without key centre-back Igor Zubeldia for this one, who is missing through suspension.
Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Alex Remiro; Jon Aramburu, Ageurd, Jon Pacheco, Alex Munoz; Bryan Turrientes; Sergio Gomez, Brais Mendez, Sucic, Ander Barrenetxea; Mikel Oyarzabal
Unavailable: Igor Zubeldia (Suspended), Traore (Injured)
Questionable: Ageurd (Injured), Alvaro Odriozola (Injured), Aritz Elustondo (Injured), Martin Zubimendi (Injured), Zakharyan (Injured)
Villarreal Team News: Yeremy Pino suspension
Key and exciting winger Yeremy Pino is unavailable for this weekend due to suspension. As well as his absence, Villarreal have several injury concerns such as goalkeeper Diego Conde and forward Ayoze Perez.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Junior; Kiko Femenia, Raul Albiol, Costa, Sergi Cardona; Gerard Moreno, Santi Comesana, Gueye, Denis Suarez; Barry, Alex Baena
Unavailable: Conde (Injured), Akhomach (Injured), Yeremy Pino (Suspended)
Questionable: Alfonso Pedraza (Injured), Pepe (Injured), Ramon Terrats (Injured), Ayoze Perez (Injured)
Real Sociedad vs Villarreal Prediction
Despite a lack of goals throughout the last few seasons under the Imanol Aguacil era, Real Sociedad do actually play a proactive style of football in which they try to suffocate their opponents. They now face a Villarreal side that are coming into this one on the back of some indifferent form but they have remained fun to watch with their 18 matches consisting of 64 goals. This one should be quite fun to watch for the neutral at the Anoeta on Monday.
Real Sociedad vs Villarreal Tip: Both teams to score
