Overview
Midtjylland took seven points from their first three Europa League games this season, but poor results in the latter stages of the League Phase saw them enter the play-offs.
Midtjylland will certainly be looking to take the advantage from the first leg, but it's impossible to ignore the fact that they have won just 1, drawn 2 and lost 1 of their 4 home games in the Europa League this season.
Meanwhile, Real Sociedad have had a contrasting form to Midtjylland in the Europa League. They have only won 4 points from their first 4 matches, but 9 points from their last 4 matches have helped the Spanish team rise to 13th place in the League Phase rankings.
Real Sociedad come into this game on a high having won three of their last four games in all competitions, including a 2-1 win over Espanyol in their last outing.
However, Real Sociedad have not won any of their last 13 matches in the knockout stages of European Cups. Midtjylland are not strong opponents, but Real Sociedad will also find it difficult to break the streak when having to play away at their opponent's field.
Defense is also a concern for Real Sociedad, especially away from home, where they have failed to keep a clean sheet in four of their last five matches in all competitions.
In terms of head-to-head record, this will be the first meeting between the two teams in history.
Human resources situation
With Elias Olafsson sidelined, Jonas Lossl will remain in goal for the hosts. Kristoffer Olsson and Cho Gue-Sung remain doubts, and are Midtjylland's only injury concerns. The trio of Adam Buksa, Dario Osario and Doguhan Simsir are expected to lead the attack.
Aihen Munoz is unavailable on the other side of the pitch, while Alvaro Odriozola and Igor Zubeldia face late fitness tests. Mikel Oyarzabal is expected to return to the starting line-up, while Mendez can also be counted on.
Expected lineup:
Midtjylland: Lossl, Paulinho, Sorensen, Diao, Gabriel, Sorensen, Anderson, Castilo, Simsir, Buska, Osario.
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Lopez, Agued, Elustondo, Aramburu, Zubimendi, Kubo, Sucic, Gomez, Oyarzabal, Mendez.
The match between Midtjylland and Real Sociedad takes place at 0:45 am on February 14 (Vietnam time).
