After some entertaining football with a lot of excitement and drama in the round 5 played during the midweek, the sixth round of the Spanish La Liga brings us more thrill for this weekend. One of the derby matches is set for Sunday, September 24th, 2017, when Real Sociedad welcomes Valencia at Anoeta.
Can Real Sociedad grab some points after two defeats in a row, or are we going to see another splendid performance by the Los Murcielagos? In this preview, we will try to give you some answers, and take a closer look at the teams’ form and aspirations. In the end, we’ll give you some betting predictions, as we always do here at GetMoreSports.
REAL SOCIEDAD vs. VALENCIA
3-Way: 1: Real Sociedad +140; X: +270 Draw; 2: Valencia +225
Spread -0.5: Real Sociedad +136; Valencia -143
Total +3: Over +112; Under -119
REAL SOCIEDAD
After a great start to the season and three consecutive wins over Celta Vigo, Villarreal, and Deportivo La Coruna, Real Sociedad lost two games in a row against Real Madrid and Levante, so it looks like it’s time for awakening. Eusebio’s team was playing very well, even when they’ve lost to the Los Blancos at home, but in the previous round against Levante their game simply fall apart.
In the first half at the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia, both teams had few chances before Levante took the lead in the 45th minute. The center-backs Elustondo and Llorente missed their opportunities after set pieces before Carlos Vela ruined the best chance for Real Sociedad in the 35th minute of the game. The Mexican shot way over the bar just six jards from the goal. Levante had their chances, too, but Sociedad’s best player in the first half, goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, was exceptional with three excellent stops. However, the Argentinian was helpless in the last minute of the first half, when Chema took a magnificent volley to score the opening goal.
At the start of the second half Real Sociedad had a great chance when Juanmi, the team’s top goal scorer, was undisturbed in the box, placing the shot way over. The match was open until the 74th minute when Alvaro Odriozola conceded a penalty, which was converted by Jose Morales to double the lead. Until the end of the game, Llorente earned his second yellow card, and Enis Bardhi made it 3:0 from the free kick.
Eusebio’s guys will now face the bigger team from Valencia, as Los Murcielagos certainly have the greater history than Levante. Two losses in a row will damage Sociedad’s self-confidence for sure, so Eusebio will have to react quickly if he wants to prepare his boys for the clash.
The Spanish tactician will have some troubles picking the starting lineup for the game on Sunday. Diego Llorente will have to miss the clash after picking up the red card against Levante, while other two center-backs Inigo Martinez and Raul Navas are still having a problem with injuries.
VALENCIA
Last Tuesday, the Los Murcielagos, reminded us of their best days and plays when they were champions of the La Liga and vice-champions of the UEFA Champions League. Marcelinho’s guys hammered Malaga at Mestalla, 5:0, showing some excellent goals and beautiful assists to their fans, who were fascinated throughout the match. Some of them just couldn’t believe it was their beloved club, who was struggling the last couple of seasons. The start of the new La Liga campaign was pretty encouraging, but nobody expected such an efficient and entertaining performance.
Simone Zaza was the man of the match, as he nailed a hat trick in just eight minutes. The 26-year old striker scored his first goal in the 55th minute with a sliding left foot shot, after a Carlos Soler’s cross. Five minutes later Zaza got his second with a beautiful diving header. In the 63rd minute, the Italian completed his hat-trick with a cool finishing after he stole the ball from Luis Hernandez at the edge of the box. Surely, a moment of glory for Zaza, who left the game just three minutes after his magnificent effort.
Carlos Soler is another guy who had a tremendous evening against Malaga. The 20-year old midfielder was a constant threat on the right wing, and his pinpoint cross allowed Santi Mina to score the opening goal of the game in the 17th minute. Dani Parejo and Geoffrey Kondogbia controlled the midfield for 90 minutes, giving the tempo to Valencia’s play. If these two guys continue with good performances, the Los Murcielagos could be a positive surprise of this La Liga campaign.
The fifth goal was a real piece of magic. If you didn’t see it yet, you have to do it as soon as possible. It was a checkmate in three moves, and after a Guedes’ heel, Rodrigo easily sent the ball past the Malaga’s goalkeeper. Indeed a beautiful end of a terrific night for Valencia players, who are still undefeated after five rounds.
The expectations will grow for sure after this kind of display, and the next match against Real Sociedad at Anoeta could be a real test of Valencia’s maturity. They have already taken a point at Santiago Bernabeu in the second round, so the good result in this match should be a significant stimulus for Marcelinho’s team. The Spanish tactician can count on all players for the game at Anoeta, excepting the defender Ruben Vezo, who is sidelined due to a fractured toe.
REAL SOCIEDAD vs. VALENCIA – Match Prediction
Valencia is building up their performance level, while it seems like Real Sociedad’s form is descending. The visitors won convincingly in the previous round so their self-confidence could be a decisive factor in this match. On the other side, Real Sociedad lost two games in a row after a good start of the season. Thus they’ll need to get something from this match, especially because of the fact that they are playing in front of the home fans. The home team has a lot of worries with injured defenders, so it’s essential for the team to see if Inigo Martinez will be ready to play.
I expect to see a close game and a great battle between these two talented teams, but I’m giving the advantage to Valencia taking the double chance pick. For those who like to play on goals, it could be a game with goals on both sides, so I am picking the over as well.
MY PICK: Over 3 goals (+112)
ADDITIONAL PICK: Valencia Double Chance X2 (-143)
