La Liga: Key Top Four Battle at El Madrigal

Villarreal vs Real Sociedad

La Liga action returns with a bang as Villarreal host Real Sociedad in a huge showdown at the Estadio de la Ceramica.

With Barcelona having this season’s domestic title all but sewn up with a double-digit lead, the battle for the Champions League berths is heating up, and the teams that are involved have the fans on the edge of their seats.

Two of them are Villarreal and Real Sociedad, who are in sixth and fourth, respectively. Real Sociedad got a leg up on their hosts, but their recent La Liga 2023 results prior to the international break were unconvincing, opening a sliver of daylight for either Villarreal or fifth-placed Real Betis to sneak in.

And with these two protagonists already eliminated from European football, finishing strong in La Liga is their main priority, and winning this match is a step in the right direction.

Talking Points

Chukwueze finding form at the right time

These next few games should serve as an audition piece for Samuel Chukwueze for those who are interested in his services.

Recent reports claim that Villarreal are looking to sell the Nigerian winger alongside Nico Jackson to bring more money to the club.

With Denis Suarez returning to the club following his loan spell at Celta Vigo and Ben Brereton Diaz’s anticipated arrival from Blackburn Rovers via a free transfer, Chukwueze has suddenly become surplus to their needs.

Chukwueze is the team’s third-leading scorer with six goals, and he’s also their top playmaker with eight assists. In his five years with the club, he has amassed 19 goals in 143 appearances. He last scored in their 3-0 win over Osasuna, and he’ll aim to get back on the scoreboard this Sunday.

The 23-year-old Nigerian, a nominee for Player of the Month for March, is not the only attacker that Real Sociedad have to worry about, as they must find a way to limit Alex Baena and Jose Luis Morales.

Morales, nicknamed “El Comandante”, is becoming a fan favourite at Villarreal. The 34-year-old is the team’s only double-digit scorer so far with 10 goals.

Merino and Silva will pull the strings for La Real

Real Sociedad have coped with injuries well, and they should be better now that their injury list has eased up. Mikel Oyarzabal’s return has been big for La Real. Alexander Sorloth and Brais Mendez continue to lead the way in the final third, and everyone else is contributing one way or another.

But the key to La Real’s success is in midfield, where they have a great mix of young and old players.

Mikel Merino and David Silva have 12 assists between them this season, so the spotlight is on them to try and create chances for their forwards. Martin Zubimendi is another bright talent, and he’s linked to a possible move to a host of suitors.

Merino started for Spain in their last two Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Norway and Scotland. Silva, on the other hand, is set for an extension with the club this summer.

History

Villarreal have lost their last two league games against Real Sociedad, and they’re in danger of losing three in a row against them for the first time ever.

These two sides met at the Reale Arena last October, where the hosts came away with a 1-0 victory as Brais Mendez scored the marginal goal during the 33^rd minute.

In terms of recent form, Villarreal are doing better lately with three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five, while Real Sociedad have only won once in the same stretch.

Villarreal are one of the best home teams in La Liga, with seven wins in 12 games and just 10 goals conceded. However, Real Sociedad have been impressive on the road, winning eight of their last 13 matches while scoring 23 goals in the process.

Betting Tip

The SBOTOP La Liga 2023 odds indicate that Villarreal and Real Sociedad will play each other closely once more. Villarreal were given the slight edge at 2.33, while Real Sociedad were priced at 2.93, and a draw is at 3.05 in the 1X2 market.

With so much on the line on Sunday, these two squads need to be at their best. Their matches have been mostly tight, and this one is not going to be any different.

Regardless of who wins, fans at El Madrigal can expect goals from both teams in this fixture, so we’re recommending Total Goals 2-3 at 1.90, while Over 2.00 at 1.70 is another possibility.

 

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