Preview and Prediction
Los Rojiblancos seem to have the momentous season to win this time. They are still leading the top of the table with 29 points shared with their local rival, Los Blancos, but they have less game than the reigning champions. This midweek they will have another fixture before the Christmas break by travelling to La Reale to take on their contender sitting on the third of the table but starting to lose their positive trend, Real Sociedad.
Both teams’ previous games
Sociedad suffered another loss last weekend while facing off Levante on the road. They were thumped 1-2 despite having a goal lead on hand through Alexander Isak’s deflected free kick. The host managed to comeback by Roger Marti’s and Jorge de Frutos. It is their second consecutive defeat this season and such result let them slip to the third in the standings.
Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, secured a 3-1 win over Elche. Luis Suarez bagged a brace before Lucas Boye scored a lifeline. Yet, they could add another one to extend their lead by Diego Costa’s penalty.
Possible tactics
Imanol Alguacil is in need of finding the more proper formation with the available players. They are currently in crisis with the piles of names in the injury table. Those who are sidelined including Mikel Oyarzabal, Luca Sangalli, Asier Illaramendi, Miguel Moya, Andoni Gorosabel, Adnan Janusaj, David Silva and Aritz Estulondo. Ilguacil 4-4-2 did not seem to work well either. He could employ 5-4-1 or 5-3-2 by leaving only Alexander Isak and Portu at the front, while in the midfield, Ander Barrenextea could be a box-to-box winger while Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi will take up double role, as first wall of defense and anchor the counter attack.
Diego Simeone might still stick to his newish formation 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-1-2, The absence of Hector Herrera, Joao Felix and Jose Gimenez would not affect much of his line up. Suarez will still feature as the targetman supported by Thomas Lemar and Marcos Llorente or Angel Correa.
Players to watch
The Spanish international Mikel Merino will remain the key man in the squad since he joined the Basque side from Newcastle United. On the attacking line, the current second top scorer, Portu, will be leading the frontline.
In Atletico, the former Liverpool and Barcelona man, Luis Suarez, has proven the world that he is still deadly at the penalty box by registering seven goals and one assist. Another notable name to watch is the Englishman Kieran Trippier.
Real Sociedad vs Atletico Madrid Prediction
Portu and Co might face difficulty if they do not modify their tactics as Diego Simeone’s men have better squad and experience in the title race, not to mention their tough mentality against all odds, except in Madrid derby. A definite win for the visitors.
Betting Odds
The punters seem to believe more in a tight clash here. Alguacil’s men are backed to win at 5/2, whereas Los Choconeros’s win market is at 17/12. The draw result is at the value of at 11/5.
