Who will win the chasing duel?
The duel of two neighbours in the standings, who are in the fight for the international places and directly behind the top group, awaits the spectators at the Estadio Anoeta. Even though the points tally of both teams so far looks quite similar at first glance, a closer look reveals major differences.
After finishing sixth last season, the Basques are on course for international business again this season. A mere glance at the table and the goal difference of Imanol Alguacil’s team points directly to the weak defensive performance of the 51-year-old’s side.
On the other hand, Villarreal are not only Real Sociedad’s closest rivals, but also the second-best defensive line in the league. Thus, there are quite different omens for the encounter between Real Sociedad and Villarreal. The odds promise a close game with chances for both teams.
Real Sociedad – Statistics & current form
Just last weekend’s game proved once again that Real are certainly capable of a lot of spectacle. They won 3:5 in Girona. Although they lost their best striker, Alexander Isak, to Newcastle, the Basques still have an excellent goal tally so far this season. Twelve goals in seven league games are only surpassed by Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bilbao.
The Basques will be looking for their third league win in a row at home against Villarreal. After victories against Espanyol Barcelona and at Girona FC, such a series could be achieved in the league for the first time.
Weak point defence
As already mentioned, the departure of Isak could be compensated well up front. Defending goals, on the other hand, works less well. Eleven goals conceded are the ninth worst value in the league at this point in the season. Among the top ten teams in the league, the Basques currently have by far the worst defence. The team has already conceded three or more goals twice in the young season. The absence of defensive specialist Robin Le Normand does the rest. He is still suffering from a fractured metatarsal and will be forced to miss the game.
Average at home so far
In three home games so far, the Txuri-Urdin have picked up four points and are currently 13th in the home table. Last season, their home strength in particular was a real fist-pumper. Sixth place and 35 points from 19 games were a presentable record. This season, too, home strength will be the cornerstone of a good season. Between Real Sociedad and Villarreal, the betting odds narrowly point to a win for the hosts.
The flight across Europe to Moldova and the resulting extra workload could possibly be a slight disadvantage for the upcoming match on Sunday in the domestic league. It remains to be seen how many changes coach Imanol Alguacil will make.
Predicted line-up of Real Sociedad:
Remiro – Rico – Zubeldia – Elustondo – Sola – Illarramendi – Guevara – Merino – Sörloth – Méndez – Karrikaburu
Last matches played by Real Sociedad:
Europa League Grp. E
06/10/2022 – FC Sheriff 0 – 2 Real Sociedad
La Liga
02/10/2022 – Girona 3 – 5 Real Sociedad
18/09/2022 – Real Sociedad 2 – 1 Espanyol
Europa League Grp. E
15/09/2022 – Real Sociedad 2 – 1 Omonia Nicosia
La Liga
11/09/2022 – Getafe 2 – 1 Real Sociedad
Villarreal – Statistics & current form
After a meagre goalless draw in the league at relegation-threatened Cadiz CF, they now face their next away game at Real Sociedad. The yellow submarine has already played five times away this season, picking up eight points. Not an outstanding record for Unai Emery’s team. The predictions for Real Sociedad vs. Villarreal also go in the direction of a close game with slight advantages for the hosts.
Stable points tally, recent weaker form
As is so often the case, a look at the team’s current strength of form offers several perspectives. Firstly, one could argue that the yellow submarine is without a win for three league games. Both past league games ended in draws. Furthermore, the course of the season so far can nevertheless be assessed quite positively. After seven games, five of which were played away from home, they have three wins, three draws and one defeat. Among them was the strong away win at Atletico Madrid.
In the fight for the international places, matches against direct competitors are therefore of enormous importance. Playing a bet on Real Sociedad vs. Villarreal on the three-way market seems extremely risky in view of the high odds.
Defensive as an anchor
What is currently seen as more of a problem for the home side is the opposite for the visitors from Villarreal. Two goals conceded after seven games is the second best figure in the league behind Barcelona. They have already finished five league games without conceding a goal. It remains to be seen whether this will happen again against the offensively strong Basques, who have scored at least once in each of their league games so far. In the match between Real Sociedad and Villarreal, the predictions accordingly point to a game with few goals.
Predicted Villarreal line-up:
Rulli – Pedraza – Torres – Albiol – Femenia – Capoue – Parejo – Coquelin – Lo Celso – Baena – Jackson
Last matches played by Villarreal:
European Conference League Grp. C
07/10/2022 – Villarreal FC 5 – 0 Austria Wien
La Liga
01/10/2022 – Cadiz 0 – 0 FC Villarreal
18/09/2022 – Villarreal FC 1 – 1 Sevilla FC
European Conference League Grp. C
16/09/2022 – Hapoel Beer Sheva 1 – 2 FC Villarreal
La Liga
12/09/2022 – Real Betis 1 – 0 FC Villarreal
Real Sociedad – Villarreal Direct comparison / H2H balance
The two teams are not only currently neighbours in the table. Even after the conclusion of the 38th matchday last season, only one place separated the two clubs. It is remarkable that 21/22 both games ended with a victory for the visitors. Real Sociedad, for example, won the last encounter last May with a 2-1 score at Villarreal. The overall comparison is also in favour of the yellows. Villarreal won 18 out of a total of 44 matches. Only eleven were won by Real Sociedad.
Real Sociedad – Villarreal Tip
Anything other than a close encounter between these two teams would be a real surprise. Both are among the teams lurking behind the top teams in Spain for their chance. Villarreal showed their strength in the Champions League last season when they beat Bayern Munich.
Real Sociedad is looking for a return to international action and is therefore highly motivated to win the match against a direct competitor. The only disadvantage could be the extra travel burden during the week compared to Villarreal.
A duel of equals in which the smallest details could matter. Real Sociedad have so far impressed with their own attack, while Villarreal have defended stoutly and allowed little. As a result, we see a bet on Under Goals for Real Sociedad vs Villarreal as quite interesting. Nevertheless, we see Villarreal with a slight advantage due to the lack of travel and put 3 units on an away win for Emery’s team
