Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
Villarreal
Real Sociedad
On Sunday, April 20, we are in for a thrilling La Liga Matchday 32 clash as Villarreal hosts Real Sociedad. The match kicks off at 16:15 Central European Time. Here's our prediction for the winner of this encounter.
Villarreal vs Real Sociedad: match facts and head-to-head
- Villarreal is unbeaten in three matches: two wins and a draw.
- Sociedad has suffered only one defeat in their last five outings.
- Villarreal has not won at home in three games: two draws and one loss.
- Real Sociedad has conceded at least one goal in ten consecutive matches.
- Villarreal has also conceded in four of their last five matches.
- Villarreal boasts the third-best attack in La Liga: 53 goals in 30 matches.
- In the first round, Sociedad defeated Villarreal 1-0. In their last five head-to-head encounters, the Basques have won three times, while the Yellow Submarine has won twice, with victories alternating.
Villarreal vs Real Sociedad: match preview
Villarreal is currently vying for a spot in European competitions, specifically the UEFA Champions League. The team is fifth in the standings with 51 points after 30 matches. They are six points behind fourth place, while maintaining a three-point lead over sixth place. The team's form is on the rise: three matches unbeaten, with two wins and one draw. In the last round, they secured an important 2-1 victory over Betis, a direct rival for the European zone. This has provided a cushion of points and a strong chance for a top-four finish with eight rounds remaining in the season. Additionally, the Yellow Submarine has a game in hand, which could help extend their lead.
Real Sociedad occupies ninth place in the table, but the Basques still have a shot at European competition. The team has 41 points after 31 matches, trailing the seventh and eighth spots by just two points. Their goal difference is negative: 30 scored, 34 conceded. In the last round, the team lost 0-2 at home to Mallorca, despite having previously secured three consecutive wins. Notably, Mallorca is a direct competitor to Sociedad, as is Villarreal, against whom they will play next.
Probable lineups
- Villarreal: Luis Junior; Femenía, Foyth, L. Costa, S. Cardona; Pino, Comesaña, Parejo, Suarez; Barry, Perez
- Real Sociedad: Remiro; Aramburu, Martin, Elustondo, Munoz; Sucic, Benat; Kubo, Marin, S. Gomez; Oyarzabal
Prediction
Villarreal plays at home, and for Sociedad, this will be a very tough challenge, especially considering their previous round loss to a direct competitor. I believe the Yellow Submarine will secure all three points on home turf — the odds for their victory are 1.7.
