11 December 2021, 13:51 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The La Liga fixture, Real Betis Balompié vs. Real Sociedad kicks off at 18:30 (GMT+1) on Sunday, December 12, at the Benito Villamarín.
Preview Real Betis La Liga, Dec 12, 2021
Preview Real Betis found their way into the next round of the UEFA Europa League, finishing as runners-up in Group C, despite a 3-2 defeat to Celtic on Thursday. Back on the home front, Betis picked up a 1-0 win over Barcelona at Camp Nou last weekend. A single strike from Juanmi (79’) separated both sides at full-time to leave Betis with three victories in a row, LLWWW. The narrow victory saw Betis move two spots up, from 5th place to 3rd place, while having 30 points after 9W, 3D, and 4L. Manuel Pellegrini will be on the hunt for a win when Betis returns for this appearance against Real Sociedad in a bid to topple second-placed Sevilla. Betis is a point behind the Rojiblancos, who play Athletic Club this weekend. On Sunday, an attacking 4—2—3—1 formation, with Willian José at the top of the shape is expected. Juanmi, who has been in remarkable goal-scoring form, could be playing on the left once again. The 28-year-old is the club’s top scorer with nine goals. Juanmi has also bagged two assists in his 14 appearances for the club in LaLiga this season, leaving his contribution to the club's goal-scoring efforts at 42%. Claudio Bravo is a doubt alongside Youssouf Sabaly (muscle injury) and Víctor Camarasa (muscle injury).
Preview Real Sociedad La Liga, Dec 12, 2021
Preview Real Sociedad also finished as runners-up in Europa League Group B, following a 3-0 win over PSV on Thursday. Back on Spanish soil, Real Sociedad failed to pick up a point after a 2-0 loss to Real Madrid at the Anoeta Stadium. A goal from red-hot Vinicius Jnr. (47') put Madrid in front, before Jovic (57') wrapped up the three points for the Whites and condemned Real Sociedad to defeat. The loss saw Sociedad drop two spots down on the LaLiga table, having moved from 3rd to 5th place. Sociedad has 29 points from 8W, 5D, and 3L and will be returning with back-to-back defeats, DWDLL. The club has 19 goals after 16 La Liga games, - a goal ratio of 1.19 goals scored per game. In addition, La Reales have conceded 13 goals (an average of 0.81 goals per match) so far this season and have a G.D. of +6. Imanol Alguacil could appear with La Reales in a 4—4—2 formation, leaving Alexander Isak and Alexander Sørloth as the pair up front for this fixture against Real Betis. Mikel Merino, Nacho Monreal and Carlos Fernández are ruled out of Sunday's game.