Real Sociedad vs Alaves prediction
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad's season could be split into two distinct phases: before and after Francisco. While things didn't quite click under Sergio in the post-Imanol Alguacil era, Pellegrino Matarazzo has breathed new life into the San Sebastian side. They've marched into the Copa del Rey final and climbed from the lower ranks to the top seven spots in La Liga, eyeing a potential top-five finish. In their latest league game, they comfortably dispatched Levante 2-0 at home, slotting in a goal per half. However, they'll miss the services of their match-winner, Martin, due to suspension. Nevertheless, Real Sociedad boasts a roster filled with quality players ready to make a difference.
Alaves
The blue and white squad had an unexpected shake-up with their coach abruptly taking off for Buenos Aires a month ago to lead River Plate, breaking a pledge to stay and rescue Alaves. In his place, seasoned manager Quique Sanchez Flores took over, akin to a firefighter called to douse flames. Under his guidance, thrilling encounters have ensued, including a 4-3 away victory at Celta, a last-minute 2-2 draw at home against Osasuna, and a narrow 2-3 loss at Mestalla. While the excitement level on the field has surged, so has the opposition's scoreline. Their modest 1-1 draw with Villarreal at home somehow got lost amidst the chaos. Yet, facing an aggressive and pressing Real Sociedad, it promises to be another tough outing for the visitors. Nonetheless, expect Alaves to pose a threat on the counter-attack.
Prediction
Alaves didn't intend to change gaffers mid-season, but under Quique Sanchez Flores, they've embraced a looser, more unrestrained style of play. This approach, however, has seen them concede more goals than usual. They've allowed goals in every fixture since, with three out of four matches ending in the opposition netting at least two. Considering Sociedad's drive for European honors, their current form, and the home crowd's fervor, they might well score another couple past Alaves. Remember, with Matarazzo at the helm, Sociedad's play is now more aggressive and pressing, a style Alaves experienced firsthand in the Copa del Rey a couple of months back. The San Sebastians outplayed them 3-2 away then, and now, backed by their fans, another two-goal prediction for the favorites seems a tempting wager in this clash.
