It’s a busy week of La Liga fixtures and Real Madrid play their first home game of José Mourinho’s second stint in charge. Real Sociedad provide the opposition at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Real Madrid to unleash new signings

After they only featured off the bench in a 2-1 Real Madrid victory against Espanyol on Saturday, the club’s two most expensive summer additions could both start. Marc Cucurella may rotate in for Álvaro Carreras at left-back, while €125m man Yan Diomandé is the main option on the right flank.

Despite scoring the winner at the RCDE Stadium, Carlos Espí may again be used as an impact sub. He stands little chance of displacing Kylian Mbappé, who was La Liga’s top scorer with 25 goals in 31 appearances last term.

Los Blancos are still hampered by injuries to Éder Militão, Rodrygo, Raúl Asencio, Ferland Mendy and Thiago Pitarch. Aurélien Tchouaméni could be fit enough to see some action in the second half.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Real Sociedad (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Silva; Diomandé, Bellingham, Vinícius; Mbappé.

Real Sociedad short on wide options

As they gear up for Europa League football, Real Sociedad are hoping to add to their squad before the transfer window shuts. They currently have fitness concerns over wingers Gonçalo Guedes and Ander Barrenetxea.

Those issues could see Mikel Oyarzabal used on the left flank, with Orri Óskarsson continuing up top at the Bernabéu. The Icelandic international netted nine times in 20 league outings last season, but failed to strike as La Real lost 1-0 at Real Betis on Friday.

Jon Gorrotxategi and Pablo Marín are additional doubts for the visitors, while Álvaro Odriozola is sidelined with a long-term injury.

Real Sociedad predicted lineup vs Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Martín, S. Gómez; Herrera, Sučić; Kubo, Soler, Oyarzabal; Óskarsson.

Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Real Madrid to win
  • Odds: 1.33 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 Real Sociedad
  • 22Bet Booking Code: VSQU2

Key stats:

  • Real Madrid have won five of the last six meetings between the clubs.
  • Los Blancos netted six times across 180 minutes against Real Sociedad last season.
  • Since lifting the Copa del Rey in April, La Real have failed to win any of their eight competitive fixtures.

Backing Real Madrid to win is the smart play. The home team will be motivated to impress their new coach. They looked sharp at the weekend, having 21 shots and creating three big chances in a deserved victory.

Real Sociedad’s form has dipped considerably in recent months. Pellegrino Matarazzo’s initial impact has faded, with the Basque club collecting only five points from their previous nine league encounters.

Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Both teams to score
  • Odds: 1.69 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: BY6U2

Including friendlies, four of Real Madrid’s last six games have seen both teams score. They’re in a transitional period at the back, following the recent signings of Cucurella, Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries.

Backing both teams to score offers value at odds of 1.69. That bet has landed in 79% of Real Sociedad’s league games last term.

Verdict: Real Madrid to win (1.33) — Real Madrid 3-1 Real Sociedad