Real Sociedad vs Valencia Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | La Liga, September 28, 2024

Preview

• Date: Saturday, September 28
• Kick-off Time: 4:30 pm GMT
• Venue: Reale Arena, San Sebastian, Spain

Real Sociedad will be welcoming Valencia for a round eight clash in La Liga 2024/25 on Saturday. Real Sociedad vs Valencia will be a meeting between two of the most potent teams in the league. Past encounters have been settled by close margins and one can expect the same this time around. The hosts occupy the 16ᵗʰ spot while Valencia sits a place below with only goal difference separating them.

Real Sociedad’s start to the season has been a horrifying one. In eight games, the club has managed only one win along with four defeats and three draws. La Real possesses one of the most talented squads in Spain outside of the big three and it is only a matter of time before Imanol Alguacil gets his players operating at their true potential. Real Sociedad has just one goal in five games and has also given away the most penalties (four) in La Liga.

Valencia could not have suffered a worse start to the season from the perspective of the fans and the coaching staff. In the seven games this season, Valencia has faced four defeats and managed only two draws with one victory. The club is far away from its usual expectations. The statistics are also not in favour of the visitors when they travel to Real Sociedad on Saturday. Valencia has not scored in the last two away games and is winless in eight games on the road.

Real Sociedad Team News

Imanol Alguacil will have to manage the game without Arsen Zakharyan, Hamari Traore, and Umar Sadiq. Zakharyan and Sadiq are expected to be back soon in training while Traore is ruled out with an ACL injury until May 2025.

Valencia Team News

José Gayà, Jaume Domenech, and Mouctar Diakhaby will be the names on the absentees list for Valencia when they travel to San Sebastian. Ruben Baraja is expected to continue with his trademark 4-4-2 formation.

Real Sociedad Vs Valencia Predicted Lineups

Real Sociedad Predicted Lineup (4-3-2-1)

Goalkeeper: Remiro

Defenders: Aramburu, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Gomez

Midfielders: Sucic, Zubimendi, Turrientes

Forwards: Kubo, Oskarsson, Becker

Valencia Predicted Lineup (4-4-2)

Goalkeeper: Mamardashvili

Defenders: Correia, Tarrega, Mosquera, Vazquez

Midfielders: Lopez, Barrenechea, Pepelu, Rioja

Forwards: Almedia, Gomez

Real Sociedad vs Valencia H2H Record

Only a single fixture in the last seven meetings between Real Sociedad and Valencia has witnessed more than two goals. The sides are frequent opponents and well aware of each other’s skill traits. In the last five games, two have ended in victories for Sociedad, one for Valencia and two have been draws.

Key Players to watch out in Real Sociedad vs Valencia

Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad)

Much of Real Sociedad’s troubles this season can be attributed to the poor form of right-winger, Takefusa Kubo. The Japanese was a menace on the right flank last season for La Real but has been unable to make a difference so far in La Liga. It is high time that the 23-year-old kicks into form and ignites his club’s offensive output. Kubo has never scored against Valencia in his career but has an assist to his name.

Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)

Remarkably, Martin Zubimendi is the top scorer for Real Sociedad this season. The 25-year-old is certainly doing above and beyond his profile and task role. Nevertheless, Zubimendi’s main objective against Valencia will be to come up with his usual composed self in the midfield. The Spaniard is one of the most potent holding midfielders in La Liga and his performance level with directly influence Sociedad’s chances.

Real Sociedad vs Valencia Prediction

There is little to choose between Real Sociedad and Valencia for this upcoming game on Saturday. If Sociedad can find its top gear, Valencia will certainly have a hard time dealing with its opposition. Nevertheless, a draw is the most likely outcome.

Predicted Score: Real Sociedad 1-1 Valencia (Watch Live)

Where to watch Real Sociedad vs Valencia Live?