Valencia vs Real Sociedad Preview: Team News & Prediction
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Valencia, despite the appointment of West Bromwich Albion boss Carlos Corberan on Christmas Eve, are in real trouble this season with an impressive and much-improved Real Sociedad side set to make the trip to Mestalla this weekend.
Kick-off date/time: Sunday 19th 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 Valencia vs Real Sociedad may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
Valencia Team News: Defensive injuries
Experienced centre-back Mouctar Diakhaby suffered an ACL injury last March and he is still unavailable for this weekend alongside fellow defender Thierry Correia, whilst the likes of Jose Luis Gaya, Fran Perez and Raa Mir are all injury doubts, too.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Mamardashvili; Foulquier, Carlos Tarrega, Cristhian Mosquera, Gasiorowski; Diego Lopez, Javi Guerra, Barrenechea, Luis Rioja; Andre Almeida, Hugo Duro
Unavailable: Correia (Injured), Diakhaby (Injured)
Questionable: Jose Luis Gaya (Injured), Fran Perez (Injured), Rafa Mir (Injured)
Real Sociedad Team News: Igor Zubeldia suspension
With Martin Zubimendi the subject of further interest from the Premier League, Real Sociedad are dealing with several defensive issues as Igor Zubeldia is missing through suspension, whilst right-back duo Ham Traore and Alvaro Odriozola are both out injured, too.
Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Alex Remiro; Jon Aramburu, Aritz Elustondo, Ageurd, Alex Munoz; Martin Zubimendi; Kubo, Brais Mendez, Sucic, Sergio Gomez; Mikel Oyarzabal
Unavailable: Igor Zubeldia (Suspended), Traore (Injured), Alvaro Odriozola (Injured)
Questionable:
Valencia vs Real Sociedad Prediction
Carlos Corberan’s Valencia began his reign with a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in a game in which they did lead by a goal to nil until very late on. Since then they have beaten lower league sides Eldense and Ourense in the Copa del Rey, both 2-0 away from home, either side of a 1-1 draw with Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan last weekend. They now face a Real Sociedad side that defeated Rayo Vallecano by three goals to one in the Basque Country in midweek in the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey during the week. La Real have now suffered just one defeat in their last ten matches across all competitions since losing the Basque derby against Athletic Club in late-November. Valencia will give Real Sociedad a game and will take the game to them but the visitors remain slight favourites.
Valencia vs Real Sociedad Tip: Real Sociedad to win & both teams to score
