Real Sociedad are in need of a win while Ajax are looking to maintain their unbeaten record as both teams meet in a Europa League clash on Thursday. The Dutch side have showed some impressive form lately and can avoid defeat against the erratic hosts.
Real Sociedad need to find some form in the Europa League as they have won just once in the competition. They were beaten 2-1 by Viktoria Plzen in their previous fixture.
The Spaniards have been inconsistent lately, claiming three wins and suffering as many defeats in their last six matches across all competitions. Imanol Alguacil’s men are also winless in three of their last four matches across all competitions, although they did earn a 1-0 win over Barcelona in their last fixture at Reale Arena.
While Sociedad are struggling, Ajax have been flying high in the Europa League and are unbeaten in the competition. Francesco Farioli’s men have claimed three wins from four matches and thrashed Besiktas 5-0 last time out.
Things have been particularly smooth for Ajax lately, with their last defeat coming back in August. They have gone on an unbeaten run spanning 16 matches, claiming 13 wins in that run.
How the bookies view it: Sociedad still favoured
Despite their struggles, Real Sociedad still have the upper hand among the bookies with a win priced at 9/10 by Betfred. A victory for Ajax is valued at 3/1 by Betfred, who are also offering odds of 13/5 for a draw.
Head to head: No previous meeting
The only previous meeting between Real Sociedad and Ajax was a friendly in 2014 which ended 3-1 in favour of the Dutch side.
Players to watch: Eyes on Brobbey
Brian Brobbey has been among the goals for Ajax in recent games, scoring in two of the last three matches. The forward will be the one to watch on Thursday and is priced at 12/5 by Betfred to score anytime.
Real Sociedad have spread their goals across the team but Mikel Oyarzabal is often involved in most of their attacking moves. The forward has two goals this season and is priced at 7/4 with Betfred.
Probable line-ups
Real Sociedad are without Orri Oskarsson and Hamari Traore, who are sidelined with injury. Sheraldo Becker could be given the nod in attack alongside Oyarzabal while Nayef Aguerd should start at the back.
Gaston Avila is sidelined for Ajax and will miss Thursday’s clash alongside Mika Godts. Brobbey should retain his place in attack while Jordan Henderson should continue in the heart of midfield.
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aramburu, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Lopez, Zubimendi, Kubo, Gomez, Sucic, Becker, Oyarzabal
Ajax: Pasveer, Hato, Baas, Sutalo, Rensch, Klaasen, Henderson, Berghuis, Taylor, Traore, Brobbey
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams have scored in Real Sociedad’s last four Europa League matches and a repeat is priced at 4/6 by Betfred Ajax have seen over 2.5 goals in four of their last five away matches across all competitions and a similar outcome is valued at 8/11 with Betfred, who are also offering 7/4 for over 3.5 goals.
Ajax have scored first in all four of their Europa League matches and could be set to grab the opening goal on Thursday at 6/4 with Betfred. The Dutch side are also not expected to lose and could be backed in the double chance market at 9/10 with Betfred.
This UEFA Europa League match between Real Sociedad and Ajax will be played on Nov 28, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Real Sociedad vs Ajax prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
