Villarreal vs. Real Sociedad Prediction, Match Preview, and Betting Tips, 20 April 2025 - bettingexpert
This Sunday, Villarreal will host Real Sociedad at Estadio de la Cerámica, setting the stage for an intriguing LaLiga clash. Villarreal, currently 5th in the standings, are eyeing a top-four spot to secure European football for next season. On the other hand, Real Sociedad are placed 9th and looking to regain consistency as they come off a mixed run of form.
Villarreal, under the leadership of Marcelino, are slight favorites, with bookmakers offering odds of 1.70 for a home win. Their recent performances have been solid, boasting two wins and one draw in their last five matches. Despite injuries and suspensions, they have a solid defense and are expected to field a strong lineup.
Real Sociedad’s recent form has been inconsistent, including a 0-2 home loss to Mallorca. Coach Imanol Alguacil will need to rally his side to bounce back, especially with key players like Mikel Oyarzabal leading the attack. Luka Sučić’s creativity and tactical versatility will be crucial for their gameplay.
Given the home advantage and the current form, our match prediction leans towards a Villarreal win. Tune in to watch live on Novasports 1HD or via live streaming on Novibet Live.
Villarreal vs Real Sociedad Prediction & Betting Tip
Considering the current form and historical performance between these two sides, the recommended bet for this clash is a home win for Villarreal. Here’s a snapshot to make it easier for you:
| Villarreal vs Real Sociedad Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting Tip | Odds |
| Villarreal to win | 1.70 |
- Solid Defence: Villarreal have maintained a strong defensive record, conceding an average of 0.81 goals per game.
- Home Advantage: Playing at Estadio de la Cerámica, Villarreal have historically had the upper hand against Real Sociedad.
- Motivated for European Spots: Villarreal, currently 5th, are pushing for a top-four finish and will be keen on securing maximum points.
With these factors in mind, Villarreal looks poised to take all three points in this LaLiga matchup.
Villarreal vs Real Sociedad Odds
| Villarreal vs Real Sociedad Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Villarreal | 1.70 |
| Draw | 3.78 |
| Real Sociedad | 4.81 |
Villarreal goes into this match as the favorite, with odds of 1.70 reflecting their strong form and home advantage at Estadio de la Ceramica. The odds for a draw are set at 3.78, while an away win for Real Sociedad stands at 4.81, highlighting their inconsistent form and lower league position.
With Villarreal pushing for a top-four finish and a spot in European competitions, the bookmakers see them as likely to take all three points.
Villarreal Team Analysis
Villarreal Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Betis | Villarreal | 2025-04-13 | LaLiga | 1-2 (Win) |
| Villarreal | Athletic Club | 2025-04-06 | LaLiga | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Getafe | Villarreal | 2025-03-30 | LaLiga | 1-2 (Win) |
| Villarreal | Real Madrid | 2025-03-15 | LaLiga | 1-2 (Loss) |
| Deportivo Alaves | Villarreal | 2025-03-08 | LaLiga | 1-0 (Loss) |
In their last five encounters, Villarreal have shown a mix of form with two wins, one draw, and two losses (WDWLL). They have struggled for consistency, particularly in attack, scoring an average of only 1.00 goals per game. Defensively, they are relatively solid, managing one clean sheet in their last five matches. With key players like Ayoze Perez leading the charge as their top scorer, Villarreal will aim to improve their goal count and secure a top-four finish in LaLiga.
Villarreal Key Players
Villarreal’s lineup is stacked with talent, spearheaded by Ayoze Perez, their top scorer with 13 goals this season. His eye for goal and clinical finishing make him a significant threat to Real Sociedad’s defense.
Another key player to watch is Daniel Parejo in midfield, orchestrating plays and providing crucial assists. Yeremi Pino will add flair and speed on the wings, aiming to exploit any gaps left by the opposition.
Defensively, Juan Foyth and Logan Costa form a solid partnership in the centre-back positions, crucial for keeping Real Sociedad’s attack at bay.
Expected lineup for Villarreal:
- Goalkeeper: Luiz Júnior
- Defenders: Kiko Femenia, Juan Foyth, Logan Costa, Sergi Cardona
- Midfielders: Yeremi Pino, Daniel Parejo, Santi Comesaña, Alfonso Pedraza
- Forwards: Ayoze Perez, Thierno Barry
Villarreal Suspensions & Injuries
Villarreal are dealing with several injury concerns, which could impact their performance against Real Sociedad. Crucially, these injuries might force coach Marcelino to make strategic adjustments.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Ilias Akhomach | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for the season |
| Raul Albiol | Muscle injury | Doubtful |
| Tajon Buchanan | Ankle injury | Late April 2025 |
| Alejandro Baena | Calf injury | Late April 2025 |
| Gerard Moreno | Muscle injury | Doubtful |
Injuries to key players such as Ilias Akhomach and Raul Albiol could leave gaps in both attack and defense, potentially weakening Villarreal’s game plan against Real Sociedad. The absence of Gerard Moreno also limits their offensive options, putting more pressure on Ayoze Perez to deliver upfront.
Villarreal Tactics and Formation
Villarreal Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-4-2
- Key Forward: Ayoze Perez
- Midfield Trio: Daniel Parejo, Santi Comesaña, Alfonso Pedraza
- Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games.
Villarreal, under Marcelino, is setting up in a solid 4-4-2 formation. This setup aims to maintain a balanced approach between attack and defense.
Key Forward: Ayoze Perez—leading the team’s scoring chart with 13 goals—is crucial for their offensive efforts.
The midfield, orchestrated by Daniel Parejo, will focus on controlling the game’s tempo and distributing the ball effectively.
Defensive Strength: Despite having just one clean sheet in the last five games, the back four will be instrumental in maintaining solid defense, while the team strives to convert chances on the break.
Real Sociedad Team Analysis
Real Sociedad Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Sociedad | Mallorca | 2025-04-12 | LaLiga | 0-2 (Loss) |
| Las Palmas | Real Sociedad | 2025-04-06 | LaLiga | 1-3 (Win) |
| Real Madrid | Real Sociedad | 2025-04-01 | Copa del Rey | 4-3 (Loss) |
| Real Sociedad | Real Valladolid | 2025-03-29 | LaLiga | 2-1 (Win) |
| Rayo Vallecano | Real Sociedad | 2025-03-16 | LaLiga | 2-2 (Draw) |
Real Sociedad has had a mixed bag of results lately, with two wins, a draw, and two losses in their last five matches (LDLWW). Despite their ups and downs, they’ve managed to score an average of 2.20 goals per game in the last five fixtures.
However, their defense remains a concern, having failed to keep a single clean sheet in this period. The recent 0-2 home loss to Mallorca would have dented their confidence, but a 3-1 away win against Las Palmas signals their potential to bounce back.
Real Sociedad Key Players
Real Sociedad will rely heavily on their top scorer, Mikel Oyarzabal, who has netted six goals this season. His creativity and finishing ability will be vital as they aim to breach Villarreal’s defense. Takefusa Kubo and Pablo Marín will also be crucial in the midfield, both known for their vision and playmaking skills. The team’s success often hinges on their ability to control the game’s tempo.
Key individual battles to watch will include Oyarzabal against Villarreal’s robust central defenders Juan Foyth and Logan Costa. Kubo’s tussle in the midfield with Daniel Parejo could also play a pivotal role in dictating the match’s flow.
Expected lineup for Real Sociedad:
- Goalkeeper: Alex Remiro
- Defenders: Jon Aramburu, Aritz Elustondo, Jon Pacheco, Aihen Muñoz
- Midfielders: Takefusa Kubo, Beñat Turrientes, Luka Sucic, Sergio Gomez
- Attackers: Pablo Marín, Mikel Oyarzabal
Real Sociedad Suspensions & Injuries
Real Sociedad are facing a challenging situation with several key players sidelined due to injuries and suspensions. Here’s an overview:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Arsen Zakharyan | Thigh injury | Late April 2025 |
| Sheraldo Becker | Knee injury | Late April 2025 |
| Álvaro Odriozola | Muscle injury | Doubtful |
| Igor Zubeldia | Muscle injury | Late April 2025 |
| Nayef Aguerd | Hamstring injury | Late April 2025 |
| Ander Barrenetxea | Ankle injury | Late April 2025 |
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Martín Zubimendi | Yellow cards | After 1 match |
The absence of Martín Zubimendi due to suspension will leave a void in the midfield, affecting Real Sociedad’s ability to control the game’s tempo. Additionally, injuries to key players like Zakharyan, Becker, and Barrenetxea will put pressure on the squad depth, forcing Imanol Alguacil to make crucial adjustments to the lineup.
Real Sociedad Tactics and Formation
Real Sociedad Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Forward: Mikel Oyarzabal
- Midfield Trio: Luka Sucic, Beñat Turrientes, Pablo Marín
- Defensive Lineup: Jon Aramburu, Aritz Elustondo, Jon Pacheco, Aihen Muñoz
Imanol Alguacil favors a 4-3-3 setup aimed at fluid, attacking football. Mikel Oyarzabal, with six goals this season, will spearhead their offensive thrust. The midfield trio, comprising Luka Sucic, Beñat Turrientes, and Pablo Marín, are tasked with dominating possession and linking up play effectively.
Defensively, the back four of Jon Aramburu, Aritz Elustondo, Jon Pacheco, and Aihen Muñoz will need to be resilient, especially given the absence of suspended Martín Zubimendi. Expect Real Sociedad to push hard, relying on their recent attacking form, which has seen them score an average of 2.20 goals in their last five LaLiga fixtures.
Villarreal vs Real Sociedad Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Sociedad | Villarreal | 2025-01-13 | LaLiga | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Real Sociedad | Villarreal | 2024-02-23 | LaLiga | 1-3 (Win) |
| Villarreal | Real Sociedad | 2023-12-09 | LaLiga | 0-3 (Loss) |
| Villarreal | Real Sociedad | 2023-04-02 | LaLiga | 2-0 (Win) |
| Real Sociedad | Villarreal | 2022-10-09 | LaLiga | 1-0 (Loss) |
In the last five encounters between Villarreal and Real Sociedad, the results have been quite mixed. Villarreal has managed two wins, while Real Sociedad has secured three victories.
This fluctuating form highlights how unpredictable and exciting their clashes can be. Keep an eye on this fixture as both teams have a history of turning up the heat when they face each other.
Odds accurate as of 18.04.2025 15:16, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
