Overview
Villarreal just had an emotional 5-2 comeback victory at Leganes in the most recent round of La Liga. These 3 points helped them stop a streak of 6 consecutive matches without a win in all competitions, including 3 defeats. This disappointing streak of form caused Villarreal to be eliminated from the Copa Del Rey and allowed 4th-placed Athletic Bilbao to create a gap of up to 6 points.
With 34 goals, Villarreal is the third strongest attack in the league, behind only Barcelona (51 goals) and Real Madrid (43 goals). However, the defense is their biggest problem. Villarreal has conceded 30 goals, the second worst record in La Liga, equal to Espanyol, Alaves or Celta Vigo and only better than the bottom team Valladolid. This is a very bad record for a team competing for a Champions League ticket like Villarreal.
In contrast to Villarreal, Real Sociedad have an extremely solid defense. With 13 goals conceded, they have the second best defense in the league, only behind Atletico Madrid (12 goals). However, Sociedad's problem lies in the attack.
They have only scored 16 goals in La Liga this season, a record only bettered by Getafe (11 goals) and Valladolid (12 goals). Coach Imanol Alguacil's team is also in inconsistent form, winning 2, drawing 1 and losing 2.
Sociedad are unbeaten in their last five home games, including four wins. Notably, Alguacil's side have not conceded a goal in those games. With their defence in fine form, Sociedad are confident they can contain Villarreal's attacking stars.
However, Sociedad's ability to take advantage of counter-attack opportunities is still a big question mark. Therefore, the match will likely end in a draw, with both teams in a deadlock.
Human resources situation
Sosciedad will be without Aguerd and Traore due to injury in this match. In the case of Zubeldia, this player is suspended.
On the other side of the front line, Villarreal is without Pino due to suspension. In addition, they cannot use Perez, Conde, Pepe, Pedraza and Akhomach for various reasons.
Expected lineup:
Sociedad: Guaita, Javi Rodriguez, Starfelt, Alonso, Beltran, Moriba, Carreira, Mingueza, Duran, Gonzalez, Borja Iglesias.
Villarreal: Junior, Femenia, Albiol, Costa, Cardona, Foyth, Comesana, Gueye, Suarez, Baena, Barry.
The match between Sociedad and Villarreal takes place at 3:00 a.m. on January 14 (Vietnam time).
