Real Sociedad welcomes Real Betis this Sunday in a very important La Liga match as both teams hope to recover from their not-so-satisfying campaigns so far. The difference is just two points between them, with Real Sociedad lying 10th with 18 points, while Real Betis lies 9th with 20 points after 14 matches.
Real Sociedad: In Search of Consistency
Real Sociedad has had a rather indifferent season, managing five wins, three draws, and six defeats from 14 La Liga games. Despite their rather underwhelming campaign, their defense has been a strong point, conceding only 11 goals—the joint second-best record in the league alongside Real Madrid.
Imanol Alguacil’s side will be hoping to follow up on the 2-0 Europa League win over Ajax through Ander Barrenetxea and Takefusa Kubo. But the team often struggles in scoring goals as they only netted 11 in this season’s La Liga so far.
Key Stats:
Real Sociedad has only won two of their seven home league matches this season.
They are unbeaten in their last three La Liga matches against Real Betis.
Real Betis: In Search of Form
Real Betis comes into the game on the back of a disappointing 2-1 loss to Mladá Boleslav in the Conference League and a 4-2 La Liga defeat at Valencia. The Seville-based side has failed to win in their last three league outings, their last victory coming against Atletico Madrid in late October.
Manuel Pellegrini’s men have fared badly on their travels, picking up just one win from their seven away La Liga matches. Despite an inconsistent spell, Betis still remain within touching distance of the European places. They lie only three points off fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao.
Key Stats:
Betis have scored and let in 16 goals this season in La Liga.
Three consecutive league games against Real Sociedad without a win read.
Team News
Real Sociedad
Aritz Elustondo, Hamari Traore, and Orri Oskarsson will not play for the home team due to injuries. Ander Barrenetxea, who scored against Ajax, is expected to start, with Javi Lopez likely to return at left-back. Mikel Oyarzabal and Takefusa Kubo are set to retain their roles in attack.
Predicted Starting XI:
Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Aguerd, J. Lopez; Kubo, Gomez, Zubimendi, Sucic, Barrenetxea; Oyarzabal.
Real Betis
Betis has an injury list as long as their arm with Abde Ezzalzouli, Nobel Mendy, Hector Bellerin, Marc Roca, William Carvalho, and Johnny Cardoso all unavailable. The team’s top scorer Giovani Lo Celso, who netted five times this season will feature despite a Conference League red card. There could be some changes as Rui Silva, Marc Bartra, Youssouf Sabaly, and Romain Perraud may come back.
Predicted Starting XI:
Silva; Sabaly, Bartra, Natan, Perraud; Altimira, Guirao; Ruibal, Lo Celso, Avila; Roque.
Match Prediction: Real Sociedad 2-1 Real Betis
Although Real Sociedad have not been doing well at home, recent form and solidity at the back give them an edge over an inconsistent Real Betis. Expect the hosts to take advantage of that defensive strength and seal a narrow win.
