Sevilla vs Real Sociedad preview

May 17, 2013
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Sociedad vs SevillaOnly a win will do for both Sevilla and Real Soceidad when they square off at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, with the two sides battling for Europa League and Champions League places respectively.

Considering everything thrown their way this season, los Rojiblancos have done pretty well and nobody would be too disappointed if they end up missing out on European qualification.

The Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan outfit wouldn’t even be in the top 7 chase if Unai Emery hadn’t taken over the reigns in January, with the former Valencia boss doing really well since.

Sevilla have long been paying the price for their travel sickness, but three straight draws in away games would suggest something have changed there as well.

Meanwhile, los Rojiblancos have remained very convincing at home, with unlucky defeat to Atletico Madrid their only under-par result of late.

With Real Betis now five points in front, Sevilla have no choice but to try and win this game, and they are 2.10 (11/10) with Coral to do so.

Federico Fazio is a major doubt with a knee problem, while Piotr Trochowski and Jose Campagna remain long-term worries.

Jose Antonio Reyes is back to the side, which is going to be a big boost ahead of the very important match against Real Sociedad.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Beto – Coke, Cala, Navarro, Moreno – Medel, Kondogbia – Navas, Rakitic, Reyes – Negredo.

Real Sociedad have been exceeding expectations throughout the current campaign, and European qualification is already in the bag.

However, the team have a unique opportunity to qualify for the Champions League, and currently sit in fourth place, tied on points with fifth-placed Valencia, but with a superior goal difference.

Their position would have been much better had they done better against Getafe and Granada, with just one point from last two matches serving as a major blow.

With away games against Sevilla and Deportivo and home match against Real Madrid next on agenda, la Real have got to be at their very best if they want to avoid further disappointments.

They could, however, have a very difficult job against one of the best sides in the league, as witnessed by odds of 3.60 (13/5) offered at Stan James on away win.

Boss Philippe Montanier has received a huge boost as key midfielder Asier Illarramendi has resumed full training, but Mikel Gonzalez is suspended and Gorka Elustondo is out injured.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Bravo – C. Martinez, I. Martinez, Ansotegi, De La Bella – Illarramendi, Bergara – Vela, Prieto, Griezmann – Agirretxe.

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