Fourth-placed Real Sociedad will travel to El Madrigal to face sixth-placed Villarreal on Sunday at 16:30 GMT.
This clash will be crucial for both teams. For Real Sociedad, a win will help them solidify their position among the top four teams in La Liga as the run-in begins in earnest.
For Villarreal, a win will help them cut the gap to fourth down to just four points with 11 matches remaining in the season.
Key Highlights
Real Sociedad’s Top Four Prospects
Real Sociedad’s recent form has negatively affected their top four prospects this season. In the last five outings in La Liga, Sociedad have won just once. They have also drawn three times and lost once in this run.
However, after picking up 6 points out of the available 15, the gap between fourth and third has grown to three points, while the chasing pack have closed in.
Fifth-placed Real Sociedad are just three points away, while their Sunday opponents Villarreal are a further 7 points back.
Therefore, Imanol Alguacil and his charges have to pick up their form in the run-in to keep the chasing pack at bay and solidify their position among the top four in La Liga.
Villarreal’s Upturn in Form in La Liga
Quique Setién has seen his side pick up their form in recent matches. Villarreal went four matches unbeaten in La Liga in the lead-up to the international break.
These are encouraging signs for the gaffer as he primes his side for the run-in that will determine where they eventually finish on the La Liga table. In this run, they won three times with one match ending in a draw.
Quique Setién will be hoping that his side can pick off from where they left before the international break and win at home to Real Sociedad.
A win will be crucial for Villarreal as they bid to make a late charge at a top-four finish this season.
Given their poor start this season, they are well-positioned to challenge the sides above them for the remainder of the season.
Injury Report
Villarreal
Imanol Alguacil will be without one player ahead of the resumption of La Liga after the international break.
Central midfielder Francis Coquelin is sidelined with a cruciate ligament rupture. The 31-year-old defensive enforcer in midfield has been out since February 13, 2023.
Having missed nineteen matches for Villarreal this season, Coquelin is unlikely to be available on Sunday.
Real Sociedad
Quique Setién will be without three players from his matchday squad in the trip to face Villarreal on Sunday.
Center-forward Umar Sadiq is a long-term absentee who has been out of action with a cruciate ligament rupture since September 12, 2022.
Center-back Aritz Elustondo is also a major doubt with an ankle injury. The 28-year-old is has been out with an ankle injury since January 31, 2023; he has missed 9 matches for Sociedad so far.
Quique Setién will also miss left winger Martin Merquelanz, with the 27-year-old out of the team with a knee injury.
Possible Lineups
Villarreal
Pepe Reina; Alfonso, P. Torres, R. Albiol, J. Foyth; M. Tigueros, D. Parejo, R. Terrats; Y. Pino, G. Moreno, S. Chukwueze
Real Sociedad
Alex Remiro; A. Gorosabel, I. Zubeldia. R. Le Normand, A. Munoz; M. Zubimendi; B. Mendez, D. Silva, A. Illaramendi; T. Kubo, A. Sorloth
Prediction
Villarreal will seek to dominate the ball and pass progressively from the back. They will look to boss the midfield and launch their attacks through quick interplay and passing.
Real Sociedad will also take the initiative in possession and in attack. They will seek to press the ball and win it in dangerous areas.
Villarreal will win the match and bolster their chances of challenging for the top four.
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