Deportivo are missing Bruno Gama due to a knock, so are missing one of their best attacking players. The tricky but rarely used Carlos Gil is the leading candidate to replace, though Ryan Babel returns from a knock and cannot be discounted. Either way it’s a considerable loss for Deportivo. This is however, their only important absence and only change from the unfortunate loss in Malaga. Deportivo have been far better than recent results suggest and it would not be a shock if they got a positive result here, despite the huge contrast in form from the two clubs. Deportivo won’t give Sociedad a tonne of respect, so a reasonably ambitious approach from them could lead to an open game with goals at both ends. Deportivo’s goal threat is improving and will be desperate to get something.
Sociedad have at least one, possibly two changes forced on them. Zurutuza is out so Canales replaces in a neutral to slight loss, but makes them more creative. Real Sociedad are dealing with an injury concern to Oyarzabal too, he is not much better than 50/50. Juanmi is a talented replacement but it would be made a slight loss at least. They may struggle to be as pumped up as they were in their outstanding showing vs Barcelona, where they became one of the first teams to boss possession and deserve to win against the Catalan giants. Sociedad may not need to be as good here, but being too complacent would see them struggle against a team much more desperate. Goals at both ends expected.
Verdict & Prediction
The season is going incredibly well for the Real Sociedad and their morale is high now, with all key men happy and playing well. They are in 5th place, so far fulfilling their aim to be a top six team this season. They must have plenty of belief and confidence they can win here. Anything less is a setback really, though a draw would not be a disaster.
Prediction: Real Sociedad +0.00 AH (same as Draw no bet)
Odds: 1.72 Pinnacle
We also posted an article about home court advantage in NBA, you can check it out here.
