Real Sociedad aims for their fourth consecutive victory as they prepare to take on Rayo Vallecano in a La Liga clash on Saturday.
Currently sitting at sixth place, Real Sociedad trails behind Athletic Bilbao by six points, while Rayo Vallecano occupies the 13th position, eight points clear of relegation zone.
Match Preview:
Real Sociedad secured a spot in the Copa del Rey semi-finals with a 2-1 win against Celta Vigo on Tuesday. This victory marked their third consecutive win across all competitions.
Their recent league encounter with Celta Vigo resulted in a 1-0 triumph. However, Real Sociedad has ground to cover in the top-four race, sitting six points behind both Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid.
Real Sociedad is currently competing on three fronts this season, with their upcoming Champions League last-16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain scheduled for February 14.
Throughout the league season, Real Sociedad has only suffered four defeats but has been held to eight draws, four of which happened at home.
Rayo Vallecano enters this match with a longer break, having last played and lost 2-0 against Las Palmas. Earlier this month, they defeated Getafe 2-0 but have only won one out of their last ten league matches, causing them to drop out of the top half of the table.
Currently at the 13th position, Rayo Vallecano has accumulated 23 points from 20 league matches, including five wins, eight draws, and seven defeats.
Despite their struggles for victories, Rayo Vallecano is only three points behind the 10th-placed Getafe and eight points clear of the relegation zone. Impressively, they have a better away record this season, earning 15 points on their travels compared to eight points at home.
Team News:
Real Sociedad will miss Carlos Fernandez, Alvaro Odriozola, and Martin Merquelanz due to injuries, while Ander Barrenetxea and Kieran Tierney are doubtful.
Mikel Merino will also be absent due to suspension, and Hamari Traore and Takefusa Kubo are unavailable due to their participation in international tournaments.
Sheraldo Becker, who scored his first goal for Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey, might feature alongside Mikel Oyarzabal in the attacking third.
Rayo Vallecano will be without Pathe Ciss and Bebe, who are representing Senegal and Cape Verde respectively at the Africa Cup of Nations.
In addition, Alvaro Garcia will be suspended after being sent off in their previous match against Las Palmas. Jorge de Frutos is expected to replace Garcia, while Sergio Camello should retain his spot as the center-forward.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Real Sociedad: (5-3-2)
Remiro;
Aramburu, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Pacheco, Munoz;
Mendez, Zubimendi, Turrientes;
Oyarzabal, Becker
Rayo Vallecano: (4-4-2)
Dimitrievski;
Balliu, Aridane, Lejeune, Espino;
Palazon, Lopez, Valentin, De Frutos;
Camello, Trejo
Prediction: Real Sociedad 2-1 Rayo Vallecano
In their past nine La Liga meetings, five matches ended in a draw. It wouldn’t be surprising if the points are shared once again on Saturday. Despite missing key players, Real Sociedad is expected to secure a crucial victory.