As Real Sociedad prepare to host Valencia at the Reale Arena on Thursday, anticipation is high for this crucial La Liga clash.
Both teams are vying for European football next season, making this encounter pivotal.
Current Form and Standings
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad are seventh in the La Liga table with 54 points from 35 matches.
Despite a recent dip in form, with only one win in their last five games (D2, L2), they hold a six-point advantage over Valencia and Villarreal.
The Basque club is keen to secure a Europa League spot, having fallen short of last season’s fourth-place finish.
Valencia
Valencia, on the other hand, are eighth with 48 points. Their recent form is concerning, having collected just one point from the last four matches (D1, L3).
Ruben Baraja’s men have seen a promising season turn sour, but they still have a chance to narrow the gap on Sociedad and keep their European dreams alive.
Team News
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad face several injury woes. Aihen Munoz, Javi Galan, Martin Merquelanz, Igor Zubeldia, and Carlos Fernandez are unavailable, while Martin Zubimendi is also likely to miss out due to a muscle injury.
Coach Imanol Alguacil might bring in Kieran Tierney, Take Kubo, and Ander Barrenetxea to freshen up the squad.
Valencia
Valencia are also missing key players, including Jaume Domenech, Mouctar Diakhaby, Jesus Vazquez, and Fran Perez. Jose Gaya, having recovered from injury, is expected to return.
Andre Almeida could be reinstated to the starting lineup after being benched in their last outing.
Predicted Lineups
Real Sociedad: Remiro; Traore, Le Normand, Pacheco, Tierney; Zakharyan, Merino, Mendez; Kubo, Barrenetxea, Oyarzabal
Valencia: Mamardashvili; Correia, Mosquera, Ozkacar, Gaya; Guerra, Pepelu; Peter, Almeida, Lopez; Duro
Match Prediction
Given the recent form and the stakes involved, we're expecting a closely contested match.
Real Sociedad have struggled at home against Valencia in recent years, failing to win their last three encounters at the Reale Arena. Valencia, despite their poor form, have a decent away record against Sociedad.
Our Prediction: Real Sociedad 1-1 Valencia. Both teams are desperate for points, but a draw seems the most likely outcome based on current form and past meetings.
FAQ
When and where is the Real Sociedad vs Valencia match taking place? The match is scheduled for Thursday, May 16, 2024, at the Reale Arena.
What is the current form of Real Sociedad? Real Sociedad have struggled recently, with one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five matches.
How is Valencia performing ahead of this match? Valencia's recent form is concerning, having secured just one point from their last four games, including three consecutive losses.
What are the stakes for this match? Both teams are fighting for European football next season. Real Sociedad aim to secure a Europa League spot, while Valencia are looking to close the gap and keep their European hopes alive.
Which players are unavailable for Real Sociedad? Real Sociedad will be without Aihen Munoz, Javi Galan, Martin Merquelanz, Igor Zubeldia, and Carlos Fernandez due to injuries. Martin Zubimendi is also likely to miss the match.
What is the injury situation for Valencia? Valencia will miss Jaume Domenech, Mouctar Diakhaby, Jesus Vazquez, and Fran Perez. However, captain Jose Gaya is expected to return after recovering from injury.
Who are the key players to watch in this match? For Real Sociedad, Mikel Merino and Take Kubo are crucial in midfield and attack. Valencia's key players include captain Jose Gaya and midfielder Pepelu.
What is the head-to-head record between Real Sociedad and Valencia? Valencia have a favourable recent record at the Reale Arena, with three wins, two draws, and one loss in their last six away games against Real Sociedad.
