Real Sociedad x Villarreal : Crunch game for both teams

Villarreal visit Real Sociedad knowing the results of Zargoza and Sporting. Sporting won and Zaragoza lost which means Villarreal's 5-pt cushion wont be threatened, but now there are two teams 5 points away from them. This should help the team to focus on getting a result at the Anoeta.

Statistically, Villarreal is the worst away team in La Liga. Real Sociedad has a decent record at home but have been on a terrible run of form of late. LLWDDD is their record from last 6 games.
Villarreal on the other hand took 4 points from the last two games in quite dramatic circumstances. They stole a win in the 94th min against Málaga and surrendered a draw to Racing Santander in the 94th min in the subsequent game.

Montanier is under huge pressure and the La Real faithful have turned against him. There are rumours the Unai Emery has had talks with the management of La Real to takeover at Anoeta from next season.

A win for Villarreal will help them leapfrog Real Sociedad on head-2-head record. Based on the away form of Villarreal, Real Sociedad has probably circled this game as a "must-win".

Preview pod by Allen, Sid & Ravi

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Match-ups:

The theme is recurring. Very good wide players and a good center-forward trouble Villarreal to no end. In Greizmann and Carlos Vela La Real have two great wingers and in Imanol Agirretxe they have a quality center-forward.

The back four of Villarreal have their task cut-out.

In the midfield Bruno & Senna will have to contend with veteran Xabi Prieto and the promising youngster Illarramendi. This is pretty even match-up and whoever has a good day will win this battle of the midfield.

La Real's defence has been leaking goals of late. If Ruben can start this could be a match he would relish. Villarreal should stay positive and go with 2 forwards to get a result.

Likely Line-ups:

Real Sociedad 4-2-3-1

Bravo; De la Bella-Ansotegi-Demidov-Estrada;Illarramendi-Elustondo;Vela-Prieto-Greizmann;Agirretxe

Villarreal 4-2-2-2

Lopez;Catalá-Musacchio-Zapata-Ángel; Bruno-Senna; Borja-Cani; Ruben-Martinuccio

Conclusion:

This is a huge game for both these teams. I expect both teams to go for the three points.

Endavant Villarreal