This Thursday, Real Sociedad will host Valencia in a critical La Liga match that could determine the future of both teams' European ambitions for the next season.
With both clubs vying for a top-seven finish, securing European competition spots, this encounter is set to be a thrilling contest.
Real Sociedad currently holds 7th place, the last spot available for European competition. However, their position is far from secure as Villarreal trails closely behind after a win against Girona, boosting their chances of overtaking Sociedad.
🎯🔛 pic.twitter.com/3Omd6gaXiX— Valencia CF (@valenciacf_en) May 15, 2024
🎯🔛 pic.twitter.com/3Omd6gaXiX
Additionally, Real Betis sits just one point above Sociedad, making the race for a higher finish intense. Sociedad's recent form has been mixed, with their last match resulting in a loss to Barcelona, though the Basque club created numerous chances and had a goal controversially disallowed.
This was only their second loss in the last six games, and they aim to finish the season strongly. Impressively, Real Sociedad has been undefeated in 27 of their last 32 home matches across all competitions. With the third-best defense in La Liga, conceding just 37 goals this season, they remain a formidable opponent.
On the other hand, Valencia has experienced a season marked by inconsistency. Despite this, their current campaign has been more successful than the last, and they still hold an outside chance of securing a European spot. A series of wins could dramatically shift their fortunes.
Recently, a draw halted a three-game losing streak, offering a foundation to build upon. Valencia has won just two of their last six La Liga matches, and their away form is similarly troubling, with only two wins in the same period.
Notably, five of their last six away games have seen under 2.5 goals, highlighting their struggle to score on the road.
In terms of head-to-head trends, Real Sociedad has seen under 2.5 goals in their last five meetings with Valencia in all competitions, suggesting a potentially low-scoring affair.
Team news reveals that Real Sociedad will be without several key players due to injuries, including Aihen Munoz, Carlos Fernandez, Igor Zubeldia, Javi Galan, and Martin Zubimendi.
Valencia, meanwhile, will miss Jaume Domenech and the long-term injured Mouctar Diakhaby, with Fran Perez and Jesus Vazquez major doubts for the game.
Forebet predicts a win for Real Sociedad with under 2.5 goals scored, indicating a tight and competitive match at the Reale Arena.
With European dreams on the line, both teams will be eager to secure a crucial victory.