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Villarreal vs Real Sociedad predictions and match preview for Sunday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for analysis, team news and predicted lineups as the Yellow Submarine host La Real.
| Date | Sunday 2nd April 2023 |
| Kick-Off | 18:30 (CET) |
| Stadium | Ceramica |
| Competition | LaLiga |
Villarreal vs Real Sociedad Preview
Villarreal and Real Sociedad clash in a key game in the battle for European places. Along with Real Betis, these are the two most likely candidates for 4th place which would offer a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
With 7 points to make up on La Real and 4 to Betis, Villarreal are currently the least likely of those sides to qualify and this feels like a “make or break” game for their top four hopes. They could really use a win and they do carry a bit of momentum into this following a 3-0 win at Osasuna last time out and 10 points from their last 4 league outings overall.
That run has eased the pressure to some extent on Quique Setien, despite a poor European exit during that period. We have perhaps seen a slightly more pragmatic approach to recent games, which isn’t something you’d ordinarily associate with Setien who has a very clear idea of how football should be played. They only had a 45% share of possession at Osasuna last time out which was a big surprise for a team that often registers well over 70%. It was effective though with Jose Luis Morales bagging two late goals to seal the win after Gerard Moreno picked up yet another injury.
As for Real Sociedad, they’d been wobbling a bit with a four game winless run in LaLiga, as well as European elimination against Roma, the backdrop to their home game against bottom club Elche last time out. They picked up an important three points there and Imanol will be hoping that the international break has enabled most of his players to rest and refresh ahead of the run-in.
Selection-wise, Real Sociedad are in as good a shape as they have been all season. Summer signing Umar Sadiq is the only really significant remaining injury absentee and even he could return later this month. Muchlike Mikel Oyarzabal who hasn’t been firing, it may take Sadiq some time to get going again though and it may be that La Real need Alexander Sorloth and Take Kubo to continue to contribute to goals if they are going to hang on to a top four position.
Team News & Possible Lineups
Villarreal
| INJURED | Coquelin, Gerard Moreno |
| DOUBTFUL | Capoue |
| BANNED |
Possible XI: Reina – Pedraza, Torres, Albiol, Foyth – Terrats, Parejo, Baena – Yeremi, Morales, Chukwueze (4-3-3)
Coach: Quique Setien
Real Sociedad
| INJURED | Merquelanz, Sadiq |
| DOUBTFUL | |
| BANNED |
Possible XI: Remiro – Rico, Le Normand, Zubeldia, Gorosabel – Zubimendi – Merino, Silva, Brais Mendez – Oyarzabal, Sorloth (4-1-3-2)
Coach: Imanol Alguacil
Score Prediction: Villarreal 2-1 Real Sociedad
These two sides are quite evenly matched but Villarreal are in better form and are looking a bit more dangerous in the final third. Real Sociedad haven’t been great in that area of the pitch of late with their forwards either fighting back from injury or not in great form. Gerard Moreno’s absence is always a blow for Villarreal but Jose Luis Morales is looking sharp and they may just edge this.
PLEASE NOTE – Our LaLiga match predictions are not betting tips! No profits are guaranteed if you’re using them to bet on Spanish football. If you are gambling, do so responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose. BeGambleAware.
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