Real Sociedad host Girona in a Friday night Spanish La Liga fixture, with both teams looking to build some momentum. The hosts have done some good work at home this season, while the visitors are looking out of sorts at the moment.
Real Sociedad have been below their best this season and are currently in the bottom half of the table. They suffered a 1-0 defeat at Alaves in their previous La Liga fixture.
Despite their erratic showings, Real Sociedad have been decent at home, winning two of their last three league matches at Reale Arena. However, Sergio Francisco’s men were beaten 3-2 by Villarreal in their previous fixture in front of their fans.
Meanwhile, Girona have been worse than the hosts and are currently in the relegation zone, two points from safety. Michel’s team are winless in their last four matches, falling 3-0 at Elche last time out in La Liga.
Girona have also found things difficult on their travels and are yet to earn an away win in the league this season. Some of their heaviest defeats have come on the road, like the loss at Elche and the 5-0 thrashing at Villarreal.
How the bookies view it: Sociedad on top
Real Sociedad have the upper hand among the bookies and are priced at 8/11 by Betfred to claim the win. A victory for Girona is valued at 18/5 by William Hill, while a draw is set at odds of 14/5 by Ladbrokes.
Head to head: Upper hand for Sociedad
Real Sociedad have a 5-1 advantage, with eight draws in the last 14 matches against Girona. The hosts claimed a 3-2 home victory in the last meeting back in May.
Players to watch: Eyes on Barrenetxea
In the absence of Mikel Oyarzabal, Ander Barrenetxea could be worth keeping an eye on for Real Sociedad. The forward will be keen to add to his three La Liga goals (Ander Barrenetxea anytime goalscorer – valued at 13/5 by bet365).
Girona also boast some attacking quality and will look to Vladyslav Vanat to prove the spark going forward. He has scored three league goals this season and could be the one to watch for the visitors (Vladyslav Vanat anytime goalscorer – priced at 11/5 by bet365).
Probable line-ups:
Real Sociedad are likely to be without Igor Zubeldia, Yangel Herrera, and Mikel Oyarzabal, who are all nursing injuries. Barrenetxea should return to the starting line-up after coming off the bench last time out, while Jon Martin is set to start at the back.
Girona also have injury problems, with Cristhian Stuani, Abel Ruiz, Donny van de Beek, and David Lopez likely to miss Friday's clash. Vanat should feature in attack once again, while Ivan Martin is set to start in midfield.
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aramburu, Martin, Caleta-Car, Gomez, Kubo, Gorrotxategi, Soler, Guedes, Mendez, Barrenetxea.
Girona: Gazzaniga, Frances, Vitor Reis, Blind, Moreno, Asprilla, Witsel, Martin, Tsygankov, Gil, Vanat.
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams have scored in the last three meetings at Reale Arena (BTTS YES – offered 4/5 with William Hill). Real Sociedad’s last three home matches have produced over 2.5 goals – available at 5/6 on William Hill.
Real Sociedad have scored over 1.5 goals in three of their last four home matches (Real Sociedad over 1.5 goals – set at odds of 3/4 by Ladbrokes).
Think both sides will find the net? Our BTTS Masterclass explains how to spot the fixtures where goals are a given.
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