Real Sociedad go into Europa League matchday 6 needing a win to advance to the preliminary knockout stage of the competition. The Royal are third in Group B as they trail PSV Eindhoven by two points.
Roger Schmidt’s PSV Eindhoven are second in the group with eight points from 15 possible. The Lightbulbs are three points back of group leader Monaco. Unfortunately, due to a poor head-to-head record against Monaco, PSV Eindhoven cannot overtake them with a victory over Real Sociedad.
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These teams played a 2-2 thriller in Eindhoven on Europa League matchday 1. Mario Goetze opened the scoring for PSV Eindhoven in the first half, but his goal was cancelled out by Adnan Januzaj on 34 minutes.
Five minutes later, Real Sociedad took a 2-1 lead thanks to Alexander Ishak. Just after the halftime break, PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo put PSV Eindhoven back into the lead.
Imanol Alguacil’s team goes into matchday 6 of the Europa League in poor form. Real Sociedad have won just once in their five games in all competitions.
Real Sociedad are showing the same form they did last season at this time. They flirted with the La Liga title early in the campaign only to fall off the pace around Christmas. The same thing is occurring this season.
The Basque club lost a six-point title fight against Real Madrid at the weekend in La Liga, 2-0. It was their third loss in four games and second loss to nil during that four-match run.
PSV Eindhoven are on an excellent run of form currently. They are unbeaten in seven straight matches in all competitions. Five of those seven matches ended in wins for the Lightbulbs.
Four players could miss the game for Alguacil. Mikel Merino is a doubt due to a calf injury. David Silva is once again on the injury list and will likely miss the crunch fixture due to a hamstring strain. Alex Sola and Nacho Monreal are doubts, but could be passed fit to play at the 11th hour.
Schmidt could be without up to six players for the Europa League matchday 6 fixture. Vincent Muller is set to miss the game due to illness.
Max Romero and Eran Zahavi are major doubts due to injury. Richard Ledezma and Shurandy Sambo are both ruled out as long-term absentees. Ryan Thomas could return from an injury but may not be fit to make the start.
Real Sociedad and PSV Eindhoven drew 2-2 in the reverse fixture and a score draw is the likely outcome of Thursday’s match at Anoeta. The draw won’t help Real Sociedad and PSV Eindhoven qualify for the preliminary knockout round.