Anoeta Stadium is set for an enticing La Liga clash as sixth-placed Real Sociedad takes on seventh-placed Real Betis on Sunday afternoon.
Match Preview
Real Sociedad secured their spot in the Champions League last-16 stage after a goalless draw against Inter Milan in midweek.
Imanol Alguacil’s men are aiming to cap off 2023 with consecutive La Liga victories over Real Betis and Cadiz after an impressive 3-0 win against Villarreal last weekend.
Having amassed 10 points from their last four league games, Real Sociedad sits sixth in the table with eight wins, five draws, and three defeats from 16 matches, totaling 29 points.
Alguacil’s team seeks to stay within reach of the Champions League spots as they trail fourth-placed Barcelona by five points.
Real Betis, meanwhile, faced European disappointment as they suffered a 3-2 home loss to Rangers, causing them to drop to the Europa Conference League after finishing third in their group.
Despite this setback, Manuel Pellegrini’s side remains unbeaten in their last 11 La Liga matches.
Betis’ last league defeat dates back to September, displaying resilience with four wins and seven draws in their recent 11-game run.
Aitor Ruibal’s equalizer against Real Madrid last weekend secured a point, placing Betis seventh in the table with 26 points, just three points behind Real Sociedad.
Form Guide
Real Sociedad La Liga Form: DLWWWD
Real Sociedad All Competitions Form: WDDWWL
Real Betis La Liga Form: WWWDWD
Real Betis All Competitions Form: WLDWDW
Team News
Real Sociedad will miss Brais Mendez, Mohamed Ali Cho, and Ander Barrenetxea due to injuries. Kieran Tierney might replace Aihen Munoz at left-back, while Mikel Oyarzabal, Takefusa Kubo, and Umar Sadiq are expected to lead the attack.
Real Betis will be without Guido Rodriguez, Nabil Fekir, Claudio Bravo, Youssouf Sabaly, and Marc Bartra due to injuries.
Willian Jose, Ruibal, and Abner could return to the starting lineup, and Assane Diao is likely to retain his spot on the wing.
Possible Lineups
Real Sociedad Possible Starting Lineup: (4-3-3)
Remiro;
Traore, Elustondo, Zubeldia, Tierney;
Zakharyan, Zubimendi, Merino;
Kubo, Sadiq, Oyarzabal
Real Betis Possible Starting Lineup: (4-2-3-1)
Silva;
Ruibal, Pezzella, Riad, Abner;
Altimira, Roca;
Perez, Isco, Diao;
Willian Jose
Prediction: Real Sociedad 1-1 Real Betis
Recent encounters between these sides have often resulted in draws, and Betis remains unbeaten against Real Sociedad since 2020.
Considering their European engagements, a closely contested match might end in a deadlock with both teams sharing points in a 1-1 draw.
