Real Sociedad vs Valencia predictions for this clash in La Liga. With three La Liga rounds left, Real Sociedad (7th, 54 points) faces Valencia (8th, 48 points) at Reale Arena. Read on for our free La Liga predictions and betting tips.
La Liga | Gameweek 36 – May 16, 2024 at 9:00pm UK at Estadio Municipal de Anoeta
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Real Sociedad vs Valencia Predictions
Real Sociedad and Valencia Clash in Pivotal La Liga Encounter
Key Stats
– Real Sociedad have scored in 11 of their last 12 matches.
– Valencia have failed to score in their last two games.
– Real Sociedad and Valencia have seen under 2.5 goals in seven of their last nine meetings.
With just three rounds remaining in the La Liga season, Real Sociedad and Valencia will face off at Reale Arena on Thursday in a crucial match that could have significant implications for European qualification. Real Sociedad, currently seventh in the standings with 54 points, and Valencia, just behind them with 48 points in eighth place, are both eager to boost their league positions. This encounter promises to be a tightly contested battle as both sides aim to finish their campaigns on a high note.
Match Preview
Real Sociedad have had an up-and-down season, reflected in their recent form. They have scored and conceded 14 goals in their last ten matches, averaging 1.4 goals per game in both respects. Their ability to secure clean sheets has been inconsistent, with three shutouts in their last ten outings. The team’s form at home has also been mixed, with two wins, one draw, and three losses in their last six home matches in La Liga.
Valencia, on the other hand, have struggled offensively, managing just eight goals in their last ten matches at an average of 0.8 goals per game. Defensively, they have been slightly better, conceding ten goals over the same period. Their away form has been problematic, with two wins and four losses in their last six away games. Valencia’s scoring woes have been particularly evident, failing to find the net in their last two matches.
Team News
Real Sociedad: Imanol Alguacil will have to contend with several absences. Igor Zubeldia is suspended, while Sheraldo Becker, Alvaro Odriozola, Kieran Tierney, Aihen Munoz, and Carlos Fernandez are all injured. This will necessitate adjustments in the lineup to compensate for these key players’ unavailability.
Valencia: Ruben Baraja’s side also has its share of injuries, with Diego Lopez, Thierry Correia, and Andre Almeida all sidelined. These absences will impact Valencia’s squad depth and tactical flexibility.
Expected Lineups
Real Sociedad: Remiro; Traore, Le Normand, Elustondo, Pacheco; Zubimendi, Merino; Kubo, Barrenetxea, Mendez; Oyarzabal.
Valencia: Mamardashvili; Vazquez, Diakhaby, Mosquera, Gaya; Pepelu, Guillamon; Perez, Guerra, Canos; Duro.
Key Areas and Player Duels
The midfield battle will be critical in determining the outcome of this match. Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi will be pivotal in controlling the tempo and breaking up Valencia’s play. On the other side, Pepelu and Hugo Guillamon will need to assert themselves to disrupt Sociedad’s rhythm and provide support to their forwards.
In attack, the duel between Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal and Valencia’s defence, particularly Mouctar Diakhaby, will be crucial. Oyarzabal’s goal-scoring prowess and Diakhaby’s defensive solidity could dictate the success of Sociedad’s offensive efforts.
Gameplay Analysis
Real Sociedad are expected to dominate possession, leveraging their higher ball possession rate of 56.1% and accurate passing (81.9%). Their strategy will likely focus on patient build-up play and creating opportunities through intricate passing combinations. Valencia, with a lower possession rate of 44.2%, will rely on counter-attacks and set-pieces to threaten Sociedad’s defense. Their direct approach and quick transitions could exploit any defensive lapses from the home side.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Real Sociedad:
- Strengths: Strong midfield control, good passing accuracy, and effective ball recovery.
- Weaknesses: Inconsistent defensive performances, reliance on key players, and vulnerability to counter-attacks.
Valencia:
- Strengths: Defensive resilience, effective in low-scoring matches, and ability to grind out results.
- Weaknesses: Poor goal-scoring record, inconsistent away form, and susceptibility to high-press teams.
Managerial Analysis
Imanol Alguacil has managed to keep Real Sociedad competitive despite various challenges. However, his inability to consistently convert possession into goals and occasional defensive lapses have been areas of criticism. Ruben Baraja, in contrast, has struggled to instill a consistent attacking threat in Valencia. While defensively sound, his team’s lack of creativity and goal-scoring ability has been a significant drawback.
Expected Goals Analysis
Real Sociedad’s average of 1.4 goals per game suggests they can create and convert scoring opportunities, though their xG (expected goals) may reveal inefficiencies in finishing. Valencia’s average of 1.1 goals per game highlights their struggles in front of goal, likely reflected in a lower xG, indicating fewer high-quality chances created.
Betting Angles
Several trends from the data suggest potential betting angles:
- Low Scoring Trend: Both teams have shown a propensity for low-scoring matches, making under 2.5 goals a plausible outcome.
- Defensive Solidity: With both sides having similar defensive records, a bet on a clean sheet for either team could be considered.
- Home Advantage: Real Sociedad’s better home form and Valencia’s struggles on the road favour a home win.
Predictions
Best Bet: Under 2.5 Goals
Given both teams’ recent scoring records and their cautious approach in previous encounters, under 2.5 goals is a solid prediction. Real Sociedad and Valencia have shown defensive solidity but lack cutting edge in attack, making a low-scoring affair likely.
Correct Score Prediction: Real Sociedad 1-0 Valencia
Aligning with the best bet, a 1-0 victory for Real Sociedad is a reasonable outcome. Sociedad’s ability to secure narrow wins at home, coupled with Valencia’s scoring difficulties, suggests a closely contested match with a single goal deciding the outcome.
Goalscorer Prediction: Mikel Oyarzabal to Score Anytime
Oyarzabal has been Real Sociedad’s top scorer this season with nine goals. His experience and goal-scoring instincts make him a strong candidate to find the net against Valencia. Expect Oyarzabal to be a constant threat and potentially the match-winner.
Corner Prediction: Real Sociedad to Win More Corners
Real Sociedad average 5.3 corners per game compared to Valencia’s 3.3. Their higher ball possession and attacking intent, especially at home, make them likely to win more corners. Expect a total of around 9 corners in the match, with Sociedad dominating this aspect.
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