Two in-form teams will collide in La Liga as Villarreal host Real Sociedad at Estadio de la Ceramica on Saturday evening.
Match Preview
Villarreal, under Marcelino’s guidance, are undefeated in their last five matches, including recent draws against Sevilla and Maccabi Haifa.
However, their league campaign has been inconsistent, standing 12th in the table with four wins, four draws, and seven losses.
Real Sociedad arrives on the back of a 1-0 Copa del Rey win over Andratx. They haven’t lost in their last six games across all competitions and are placed sixth in La Liga, accumulating 26 points from 15 matches.
Team News:
Villarreal will miss Aissa Mandi, Yeremi Pino, Alexander Sorloth, while Alberto Moreno and Dani Parejo face late fitness tests.
Morales, Pedraza, Gerard Moreno, and Raul Albiol are expected to return to the XI after being rested in the Europa League.
Real Sociedad will be without Carlos Fernandez, Martin Merquelanz, and Robin Le Normand due to injuries.
Mikel Merino, Takefusa Kubo, Martin Zubimendi, Umar Sadiq, and Kieran Tierney are set to return to the starting lineup.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Villarreal: (4-4-2)
Jorgensen;
Foyth, Albiol, Cuenca, Pedraza;
Alti, Comesana, Capoue, Baena;
G Moreno, Morales
Real Sociedad: (4-3-3)
Remiro;
Traore, Zubeldia, Pacheco, Tierney;
Mendez, Zubimendi, Merino;
Kubo, Sadiq, Oyarzabal
Prediction: Villarreal 1-1 Real Sociedad
Both teams are unbeaten recently and coming off midweek fixtures. Given their similar form and strength, a closely contested match is expected, likely resulting in a draw.
