Real Sociedad vs Real Valladolid predictions and match preview for Sunday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for analysis, team news and predicted lineups as La Real aim for another win in Donostia.
| Date | Sunday 5th February 2023 |
| Kick-Off | 18:30 (CET) |
| Stadium | Reale Arena |
| Competition | LaLiga |
Real Sociedad vs Real Valladolid Preview
Real Sociedad have a winnable home game this weekend against Real Valladolid. They’re hoping to keep pace with Barcelona and Real Madrid for as long as possible but realistically the aim will be to keep clear of the teams below them with Champions League qualification increasingly the target for Imanol’s men this season.
La Real’s last two matches have been against the big two, both away from home, so it has been a useful indicator as to how they compare. A 1-0 Copa del Rey defeat at Camp Nou was followed up by a goalless draw at the Santiago Bernabeu in LaLiga and while they were certainly competitive, it’s probably fair to say Real Sociedad don’t stand a great chance of finishing above either this term.
They’ve had a much needed free midweek to prepare for this game and this slightly quieter period of the season comes at a good time for them. They are still missing close to half of their first team squad to injury which is giving young players valuable minutes and we could see either Pablo Marin or Jon Ander Olasagasti get a start here due to their midfield and defensive issues.
Real Valladolid will travel with a more positive mindset after they ended their losing streak with a vital 1-0 win over Valencia last weekend. Their match winning goal came late on and via new signing Cyle Larin who made an immediate impact following his loan move from Club Brugge.
It has been a really interesting month at the Jose Zorrilla with some late business radically changing how Pacheta’s attack may shape up. They allowed last season’s top scorer Shon Weissman to depart on a loan move to Las Palmas with Larin likely to be the main striker now while former Girona winger Darwin Machis should complete the front three along with Gonzalo Plata.
Team News & Possible Lineups
Real Sociedad
| INJURED | Merquelanz, Elustondo, Guevara, Sadiq, Merino, Gorosabel, Pacheco |
| DOUBTFUL | Cho, Silva, Barrenetxea |
| BANNED |
Possible XI: Remiro – Rico, Le Normand, Zubimendi, Zubeldia – Pablo Marin, Illarramendi – Kubo, Oyarzabal, Brais Mendez – Sorloth (4-2-3-1)
Coach: Imanol Alguacil
Real Valladolid
| INJURED | Kenedy, Anuar |
| DOUBTFUL | Escudero, Fresneda, El Yamiq |
| BANNED | Mesa |
Possible XI: Masip – Olaza, Javi Sanchez, Joaquin, Rosa – Aguado, Monchu – Machis, Kike Perez, Plano – Larin (4-2-3-1)
Coach: Pacheta
Score Prediction: Real Sociedad 2-1 Real Valladolid
Real Sociedad are struggling for numbers in defensive and midfield positions right now so this new-look Real Valladolid attack could have some joy here. Overall though, Real Sociedad should still have enough quality on the pitch to win the game.
PLEASE NOTE – Our LaLiga previews and predictions are not betting tips! No profits are guaranteed if you’re using them to bet on Spanish football. If you are gambling, do so responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose. BeGambleAware.
