Preview and Prediction
La Liga 2020/21 seems to have something unusual to offer. For the first time since 2004, Barcelona and Real Madrid plus the third archrival in the past few years, Atletico Madrid, are not sitting on the top of the table. The throne currently belongs to Real Sociedad, the Copa del Rey finalist last season. Imanol Alguacil’s men are now facing a challenge from the fellow dark horse, Villareal, which is currently on the third in the standings. They are only separated by four points. No wonder that this will be a new big match to expect this season.
Both teams’ previous games
David Silva and Co carried on their positive trend with a narrow win over Cadiz on the road last weekend. A single goal of the Swedish international Alexander Isak was the only one which made the difference. The result was important to keep their place on the top.
Meanwhile, Villareal managed to hold Real Madrid in a 1-1 draw in their previous domestic outings. They were one goal behind as Mariano Diaz headed the ball into the net. Fortunately, Gerrard Moreno put his team back on a level term as he successfully took the penalty.
Possible tactics
Imanol Alguacil seems to be employing 4-2-3-1 again usual. Mikel Merino will be the anchor of their attack supporting Alexander Isak as the targetman and accompanied by Portu and Mikel Ozaryabal since David Silva is injured alongside Asier Illaramendi, Luca Sangali, Andoni Gorosabel and Mobido Sagnan.
The former Arsenal boss, Unai Emery, is likely to stick to his 4-3-3. Paco Alcacer, Gerrard Moreno and Moi Gomez are the main option upfront. In the midfield, Dani Parejo, Victor Iborra and Manu Trigueros will provide support to the attacking line as well as keeping the balance in the middle. On the injury table, only the left back Albert Moreno is ruled out for this upcoming fixture.
Players to watch
The Spanish international Mikel Oyarzabal is one of the top performers with six goals and two assists. Some other notable names to watch are Alexander Isak, Portu, Mikel Merino and the former Manchester United man, Adnan Januzaj.
In Villareal, Paco Alcacer and Gerrard Moreno both have score five goals each. These two forwards will lead the attack of Emery’s men. Some other key men to watch are the former Valencia captain Dani Parejo, Mario Gaspar and Pau Torres
Real Sociedad vs Villareal Prediction
It is certainly a tight encounter with both sides trading attacks and shots on goal or target on the pitch. Alguacil’s men’s home advantage might not be that crucial as the Yellow Submarines are in their relatively positive trend as well. The most probable result would be a draw but not exactly in a goal galore.
Betting Odds
According to the punters, there is no clear favourite in this game. Paco Alcacer and Co are backed to win at 12/5, whereas the home side’s odds to win are at 13/10. The draw result is at the value of at 11/4.
