Real Sociedad-Villarreal is a match valid for the 26th day of La Liga and is played on Friday at 9 p.m.: odds, predictions, live TV and streaming.
Real Sociedad had to wait almost a month to taste again the joy of victory. The fast was broken last Saturday, in the largest island of the Balearic Islands against Mallorca (1-2): a header by Merino in the midst of recovery allowed the Basques to get the better of an opponent that was, as usual, very hostile and grumpy – especially between home walls – and reluctant to surrender.
Not a blazing performance that of the Txuri-urdin, who confirmed the difficulties they had in the last period, but it was essential to regain three points. For a matter of the standings, but mainly to boost the morale of Le Normand and his teammates, coming off the double defeat between La Liga and Champions League against Osasuna (0-1) and PSG (2-0). As for the cup with the big ears, it will be very complicated to overturn the Parisians next March 5. Easier, at least on paper, to detach the pass for the final of the Copa del Rey: in less than a week, Real Sociedad will again face Mallorca – third challenge within a month with the islanders – in the return semifinal (the first leg, in Palma, ended 0-0).
In the league, meanwhile, it seems almost impossible to retake Athletic Bilbao’s “cousins,” fifth at +9 over Imanol’s team, which for now must defend sixth place from the assaults of Betis and Valencia.
Far from the Europe zone instead Villarreal, destined for an anonymous season. The Yellow Submarine is trying to get out of a difficult period and is partly succeeding with the help of coach Marcelino. The Valencians have never lost in the last five days, but four of those matches have ended in draws.Villarreal, after the resounding win in Barcelona, has drawn with Cadiz, Alaves and Getafe.
The prediction
Real Sociedad may have turned the corner after their last-gasp victory over Mallorca last Sunday. And they are likely to avoid defeat again in their home match with Villarreal, far from their former glory. At home the Basques have only cashed in two defeats: they will struggle to keep their goal unbeaten but the three points should still come.
The probable lineups of Real Sociedad-Villarreal
REAL SOCIEDAD (4-3-3): Remiro; Traoré, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Galan; Brais Mendez, Zubimendi, Merino; Kubo, André Silva, Barrenetxea.
VILLARREAL (4-4-2): Jorgensen; Femenia, Albiol, Mosquera, A. Moreno; Akhomach, Comesana, Coquelin, Baena; Gonçalo Guedes, G. Moreno.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1
