18 December 2021, 16:46 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The Spanish LaLiga fixture, Real Sociedad vs. Villarreal CF, kicks off at 16:15 (GMT+1) on Saturday, December 18, at the Anoeta Stadium.
Preview Real Sociedad La Liga, Dec 18, 2021
Preview Real Sociedad suffered one of their heaviest defeats of the season last weekend, having lost to Real Betis, 4-0. A brace from Alex Moreno (14’ & 79’), coupled with goals from Juanmi (57’) and Nabil Fekir (66’) were enough to condemn Real Sociedad to three consecutive defeats: WDLLL. The loss saw Sociedad drop off three spots on the LaLiga table, moving from 3rd to 5th place, having picked up 29 points after 8W, 5D, & 4L. Imanol Alguacil will be on the hunt for maximum points to remain in the top-five on the league table when his side takes on Unai Emery’s men. Focusing on the numbers, Real Sociedad has a goal ratio of 1.12 g.p.g. this season, having scored 19 goals in 17 La Liga games. They have also conceded 17 goals, and have a G.D. of +2. An average of 1 goal conceded per game. For this game against the Yellow Submarine, Imanol Alguacil could be laying out the 4—2—3—1 formation once again, leaving Alexander Isak in attack. Alex Sola and Nacho Monreal are expected to make the return after spells on the sidelines while Carlos Fernández (ACL injury) is ruled out for the year.
Preview Villarreal La Liga, Dec 18, 2021
Preview Villarreal picked up a comfortable 2-0 win over Rayo Vallecano last weekend at El Madrigal. Aïssa Mandi (32’) snuck in on the blindside of defense for a free header to send Villarreal in front two minutes past the half-hour mark. Minutes later, Gerard Moreno (36’ P.) doubled Villarreal’s lead from the penalty spot, having been fouled earlier. The well-taken penalty had Vallecano’s goalkeeper diving the wrong way. Minutes later, Villarreal almost conceded but the timely intervention of Aïssa Mandi, in the shape of a goal-line clearance with the header, kept the two-goal lead intact. The victory saw the Yellow Submarine remain in 13th place at the end of Matchday 17. Villarreal has picked up 19 points from 4W, 7D, & 5L and has the form: WDLLW, ahead of this fixture against Real Sociedad. The club has 18 goals after 16 La Liga games, thanks to a goal ratio of 1.12 goals scored per game. The Yellow Submarine have conceded 17 goals (1.06 goals per match) so far this season, and have a goal difference of +1. A 4—4—2 formation with Arnaut Danjuma and Gerard Moreno could form the duo in the forked attack on Saturday for this game against Sociedad.