Villarreal vs Real Sociedad Prediction: Back the Visitors’ to avoid defeat

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Real Sociedad have been one of the form teams in Spain since the turn of the year. They're hoping to continue their rise up the table when they travel to the Estadio de la Cerámica for what should be a very watchable Friday night match in La Liga. 

Villarreal can climb up to third place with a victory. However, they'll be more focused on ensuring they get over the line and secure Champions League qualification for the second season running. With an 11-point advantage on Real Betis in fifth, that should be a mere formality from this position. 

Never previously have the Yellow Submarine featured in Europe's elite competition in two consecutive years. They'll be determined to give a better account of themselves next time around, having finished a miserable league-phase campaign with only one point in January. 

While they're a better side than what they showed in the Champions League, the true quality of this Villarreal team has also been questioned in Spain. A failure to beat top-six opposition in La Liga suggests there are definite flaws, despite their almost flawless record against the rest of the division. 

Marcelino has quality on the flanks to call upon, with the likes of Alberto Moleiro, Tajon Buchanan and Nicolas Pépé regularly chipping in with goals from out wide. It was the latter who delivered the goods with a fine solo strike to secure a late point for Villarreal in wet conditions away to Alavés last Friday. 

Real Sociedad are the highest-ranked team that Villarreal have beaten so far this season. A brace from Moleiro sealed a 3-2 victory at the Reale Arena back in November, but they'll be anticipating a tougher game on Friday. 

Since appointing Pellegrino Matarazzo in December, Real Sociedad have been on a roll. They've lost just two of their 15 matches in all competitions under the guidance of La Liga's first ever American coach. 

La Real were down in 16th place when Matarazzo took charge, but they've since climbed all the way up to seventh. The Basque side look set to rival Betis and Celta Vigo for European qualification, with Spain now well placed to seal an extra Champions League slot. There is also the small matter of a Copa del Rey final against Atlético Madrid to look forward to in April. 

The new boss has managed to get the best out of Mikel Oyarzabal, who is set to be Spain's starting striker at this summer's World Cup. The 28-year-old was on target for the third match in a row last weekend, as Real Sociedad saw off Osasuna 3-1 at home. 

Gonçalo Guedes also grabbed a brace in that game. He's another player that is thriving under Matarazzo. An eight-goal return is his best league tally since the Portuguese winger netted 11 times for Valencia during the 2021/22 season. 

Team News: 

Villarreal are missing Juan Foyth, Ayoze Pérez and Pau Cabanes through injury. Centre-back Logan Costa is nearing fitness, but isn't expected to play any part after a lengthy lay-off. 

Marcelino will set his team up in their familiar 4-4-2 structure. Moleiro is likely to be recalled on the left flank, while Gerard Moreno and Renato Veiga are also pushing for starting roles after only making the bench against Alavés a week ago. 

Real Sociedad will have to cope without the suspended Beñat Turrientes, who set up both of Guedes' goals last Sunday. Midfielder Yangel Herrera has suffered a fresh injury setback since then, while Take Kubo and Álvaro Odriozola remain sidelined. 

Jon Gorrotxategi is likely to fill in for Turrientes in the centre of the park, alongside Carlos Soler. Oyarzabal should once more lead the line for the visitors, with Guedes operating off the right flank.