Valencia will play hosts to Real Sociedad at the Mestalla this weekend with the two clubs in completely different areas of the La Liga table as the home side continue to look over their shoulder towards the second tier.
So far, it's been arguably the worst season of the century for Valencia in La Liga. The club have not picked up a point in the past month of La Liga action, as they last recorded anything positive in a 2-2 draw with Almeria at home.
Fully focused on #ValenciaRealSociedad ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/UoOW1Iaueo— Valencia CF (@valenciacf_en) February 24, 2023
Fully focused on #ValenciaRealSociedad ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/UoOW1Iaueo
They've since gone on to lose 1-0 to Real Valladolid, 2-0 to Real Madrid, 1-0 to Girona, 2-1 to Athletic Club and a recent 1-0 loss to Girona keeps the club rooted into 19th in the table.
It’s the lowest Valencia have been in La Liga at this stage in a season for many years, and things are made worse for them with a two-point gap to make up in terms of getting out of the relegation zone.
So far, they've managed to secure only five wins and lose 12 times in La Liga, as only Elche have lost more games than them.
Valencia have also scored just 26 goals and let in 27, which although far from the worst goals difference record in Spain, it does show how bad their consistency has been this season.
As for Sociedad, they come into this one after a 1-1 draw with Celta Vigo Mikel Oyarzabal returned to the scoresheet that day, as his goal after five minutes was enough to keep his side in third.
Sociedad did, however, let in a goal in the dying embers of the game to drop two points in the process to 10 men.
Sociedad have also drawn with Real Madrid 0-0 in recent weeks, while also losing to Valladolid. It means their only win so far in February has come in a thrilling 3-2 win over Espanyol away from home.
Sociedad are still eight behind Real in second, but they are above Atletico Madrid in fourth by two points still.
Based on the current form in the league, there should only be one real winner in this game. Sociedad have been exceptional in all competitions this season and even wait for the Europa League next round to come in a few weeks as well.
With them sat in third, Forebet predicts a win here for Sociedad and for the game to see over 2.5 goals.