La Liga: Sevilla Prepare for Big Home Clash Against Real Sociedad

Sevilla FC vs Real Sociedad

Fresh from being eliminated in the Europa League, it’s back to La Liga matters for Sevilla as they’re scheduled to host Real Sociedad this weekend.

Sevilla still have hopes in trying to chase down Real Madrid for this year’s domestic crown. However, Los Palanganas are stuck at second place with 56 points – which is 10 points behind Los Blancos.

But the team’s main goal is to secure yet another top four finish and they’re in great shape. On the other hand, the same can’t be said for Real Sociedad and they have to catch up fast.

La Real are at sixth with 47 points, but they can still make a run for the Champions League berth if they can string together a couple more positive La Liga 2022 results.

SBOTOP football fans can anticipate another highly-competitive tiff between these two sides since neither are willing to give an inch to the other.

Talking Points

Sevilla feeling the attrition

There’re two main problems for Julen Lopetegui and co. and there’s a correlation between them. Because of their congested schedule due to their commitments in Spain and in Europe, Sevilla have picked up injuries which has affected their overall form and confidence.

Draws are indeed not enough for Sevilla here in La Liga and that’s the main reason why Real Madrid are running away with the title. They also couldn’t get over the hump against West Ham in the Europa League despite winning 1-0 in the first leg.

Sevilla are known to have made the Europa League their personal playground with their record six titles, which is why it’s shocking to see them bow out this early.

Expect Julen Lopetegui to rotate his lineup once again for this upcoming match as Marcos Acuna, Diego Carlos, Suso, Gonzalo Montiel, Papu Gomez, Karim Rekik and Erik Lamela have all suffered knocks and are doubtful to play.

There’s no rest for the weary Sevilla as Rafa Mir, Lucas Ocampos, Youssef En-Nesyri, Anthony Martial, Joan Jordan, and Ivan Rakitic will all have the attacking and creating responsibilities on their plate, while Jules Kounde, Jesus Navas, Nemanja Gudelj, and Ludwig Augustinsson are likely to be called again at the back to cover for Yassine Bounou.

Champions League or bust for Real Sociedad?

Real Sociedad have some personnel concerns too, but they’re not as bad as Sevilla’s and they’ll look to improve their form overall.

Following their heavy defeat at the hands of Los Blancos, Real Sociedad got a narrow 1-0 victory against Deportivo Alaves to make it their third win out of their last four.

David Silva, Nacho Monreal, and Carlos Fernandez were all sidelined in the last game, but they might be called back by Imanol Alguacil. Moreover, only Ander Barrenetxea and Aihen Munoz are confirmed to be unavailable this Sunday.

Mikel Oyarzabal, Alexander Isak, and Portu form their dangerous front three but they haven’t been exactly at their best lately. Needless to say that Real Sociedad’s fate lies in their hands.

History

Sevilla have had Real Sociedad’s number lately here in La Liga. Prior to this match, Los Palanganas have not lost in any of their last eight league meetings (W5, D3), which is their best undefeated run against them in Spanish top-flight history.

Los Palanganas have a chance to achieve a piece of history should they win over La Real at home once again. Sevilla have won their last four league home games against Real Sociedad and they could extend their streak to five for the second time in league history.

Their longest unbeaten home run against Real Sociedad was six straight games between 1952 to 1957.

Real Sociedad’s last away victory over Sevilla dates back to 2016 and their last away clean sheet against them happened way back in February 2007.

During their reverse fixture last September, it was honours even between them and no goals were scored.

Betting Tip

A close contest is in the cards as confirmed by the updated La Liga 2022 odds. The hosts in Sevilla are installed to win at 2.09, while Real Sociedad are priced at 3.45 and a draw is pegged at 3.30.

If only Sevilla were healthier, they would easily be the favourites for this one. But since they’re not, this game can go either way. Taking into account of what happened the last time these two clubs met, it’s likely that this is going to be another low-scoring affair. This might not be another clean sheet, but regardless, we recommend for you to go for Under 2.50 @ 1.65.

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.