Real Sociedad vs Osasuna
Two sides with top four aspirations are set to battle in the upcoming La Liga restart, as Real Sociedad host Osasuna at the Estadio Anoeta on New Year’s Eve.
The hosts have the upper hand since they’re in third place with 26 points, but they’re only separated by three points over their seventh-placed visitors, who have 23.
Real Sociedad have been knocking on the Champions League door for the past few seasons. But they always came up short after a hot start, so they’ll do everything they can to make sure that there’s no more letdown this year.
Osasuna, meanwhile, are punching above their weight this term, and they can give Real Sociedad a real test this weekend.
Talking Points
Mikel Oyarzabal imminent return is big for Real Sociedad
Mikel Oyarzabal’s return couldn’t come soon enough for La Real. Although they’ve been getting by despite their limited options thanks to Brais Mendez (eight goals, three assists) and Alexander Sorloth (six goals, two assists) stepping up, it’s clear that they’re not as dangerous without their young talisman.
The 25-year-old winger tore his ACL in March and he has been working his way back ever since. The good news for Imanol Alguacil and co. is that he’s progressing well since he has been training with the first team.
He was, after all, their top scorer last season and they need him back in his lethal form if they are going to make noise, both in La Liga and in the Europa League – where they’re already in the Round of 16 after a solid run in the group stage.
Should La Real get the positive La Liga 2022 news that Oyarzabal is available for this game, he’s going to line up alongside Brais Mendez, Alexander Sorloth, and Mohamed-Ali Cho up front.
Attacking midfielder David Silva has been ruled out of action until the end of 2022 due to an injured quad after he was forced off in their 1-0 defeat to Real Valladolid last October. Martin Zubimendi might be asked to play a more advanced role while the former Manchester City star is recovering.
Kike Garcia delivering for Osasuna
Since losing 2-1 to Barcelona at El Sadar last November, Osasuna have gone undefeated – winning three and drawing two across all competitions.
They’re through to the Round of 32 in the Copa del Rey after brushing aside Fuentes and Arnedo with an aggregate tally of 7-1. They also beat Brest 3-0, while drawing 1-1 against Lorient and Girona.
Kike Garcia has been particularly impressive during this stretch as he recorded a brace both in those Copa del Rey matches. He was their second-leading scorer with two goals, and now his total has reached six.
The 33-year-old centre-forward will link up with Chimy Avila up front. Avila is another man to be wary of, if you’re Real Sociedad, because of his pace and trickery. The Argentine is enjoying a great season at El Sadar, and he’s been linked to a possible Premier League move with Leeds United.
History
Real Sociedad are undefeated in their last 12 fixtures against Osasuna in La Liga (W7, D5), winning their last three without surrendering a single goal. At home, they’re also unbeaten in their last nine league games against Los Rojillos (W5, D4), with their last defeat being a 2-1 result back in November 2005.
After winning five consecutive La Liga games between September and October 2022 (D1, L2), La Real have only won one of their last four, which was a 1-0 road victory over Mallorca in October.
On the other hand, Osasuna have gained points in four of their last five away La Liga games (W2, D2, L1), and they won their last away trip against Celta Vigo in November (2-1).
Save for a 3-1 scoreline in August 2021 where Osasuna last prevailed, matches between these two sides have yielded only two goals max each for the past two seasons.
Betting Tip
The SBOTOP La Liga 2022 odds are backing Real Sociedad to take all three points this Saturday, as they were installed at 1.92, while Osasuna are at 3.90 and chances for a draw are at 3.45 in the 1X2 market.
Given the trend of their recent encounters, Under 2.50 @ 1.66 is another bet to consider – which is preferred by Osasuna given their penchant for low-scoring affairs this season.
But Real Sociedad boasts more firepower than Osasuna, so they should eke out a win to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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