Real Sociedad vs Villarreal preview

May 17, 2014
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Real Sociedad vs VillarrealThe two sides may have already secured Europa League qualification, but the fact the winner of this tie could climb one position in the league standings should be enough incentive to give their best on the final day of the season.

Real Sociedad did not exactly make the most of the season that is about to end, but at least they have secured another European qualification.

Having recovered well from the dismal start to the league campaign, La Real were even in a position to mount a serious top 4 challenge, but they eventually failed to keep up with bitter rivals Athletic Bilbao.

The good performance in weekend’s Basque derby and a 1-1 draw saw Jagoba Arrasate’s side remain in contention for the fifth place in the standings, with Sevilla just one point ahead at the moment.

Real Sociedad could also slip to seventh if they lose to Villarreal on Sunday, but they remain 2.05 (21/20) favourites to win this tie.

Mikel Gonzalez is back from suspension, meaning that full-back Jose Angel is the only unavailable player at the moment.

And having lost the reverse fixture 5-1 at El Madrigal, the hosts will have an extra motivation to win on the final day of the season.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Bravo – C. Martinez, M. Gonzalez, I. Martinez, De La Bella – Pardo, Bergara – Vela, Canales, Griezmann – Agirretxe.

Villarreal have enjoyed a thoroughly impressive campaign on their return to La Liga, having secured Europa League berth with two games to go.

The Yellow Submarine will probably end the league championship in seventh position, that is unless they can beat Real Sociedad at Anoeta.

Villarreal hammered the same opponents 5-1 at their El Madrigal and they are 3.75 (11/4) to do it all over again and achieve a top 6 finish.

Marcelino Garcia Toral’s charges have been struggling for form of late, with the 2-0 loss to Malaga followed by 3-2 defeat to Barcelona, where the Yellow Submarine squandered a two-goal lead.

Nevertheless, they then managed to hold Sevilla to a goalless draw at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan before winning 4-0 against Rayo Vallecano.

Marcelino Garcia Toral does not have any fresh injury worries, but the likes of Torres, Ramos, Perbet, Pina, Dorado and Iniguez remain on the sidelines.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Juan Carlos – Mario, Paulista, Musacchio, Jokic – Moises, Trigueros, Bruno, Cani – Uche, dos Santos.

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