Villarreal vs Real Sociedad Betting Preview
Villarreal kick off their 2018/19 La Liga campaign at Estadio de la Ceramica in Villarreal against Real Sociedad. Villarreal and Real Sociedad should fight this season for European spots.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 7 of Villarreal’s last 8 games in La Liga.
Real Sociedad have failed to win 14 of their last 15 away matches in La Liga.
Last season Villarreal were lead by Javi Calleja, coach who did good job, but not spectacular. It is hard for Villarreal to compete with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico, so once again they will probably be in that group of teams between fourth and seventh position.
If we compare this season’s Villarreal to the one from last term, then they seem much stronger. They signed two forwards (Gerard Moreno, Karl Toko Ekambi), midfielders Santiago Caseres of Velez Sarsfield and Santi Cazorla of Arsenal, center-back Ramiro Funes Mori of Everton and right-back Miguel Layun from Porto. There was just one important transfer out, defensive midfielder Rodri left to Atletico Madrid.
Real Sociedad will enter the new season with a new manager in charge. The Basque Asier Garitano is coming back home after a good episode in Leganes. It will be interesting what he can do with a much larger budget, but also with a much bigger club with higher expectations. Certainly fans in San Sebastian will not be satisfied with pure survival in La Liga, but they’re targeting Europa League qualification.
Main problem last season was terrible defense which conceded 59 goals, just 2 fewer than Malaga who finished at the bottom of the league.
There are couple of changes in the squad when we compare it to last term. Right-back Alvaro Odriozola left to Real Madrid for 30 million Euros, while Sergio Canales, Carlos Martinez and Markel Bergara were let on free transfers. Experienced midfielder Xabi Prieto went to retirement this summer.
On the other hand there were couple of interesting signings, as Real Sociedad bought Mikel Merino from Newcastle, while left-back Theo Hernandez came on loan from Real Madrid.
Odds and Predictions
In this moment Villarreal seem as better team, although Asier Garitano is great coach, but still I’m not sure what to expect from the Basques. During pre-season they were not impresive as they lost four of their five matches. I’m aware that friendlies don’t mean much, but still I have to take them into account.
Villarreal were good last season and this summer they just strengthened the squad. They play ahead of their fans and I expect them to start with a win.
Editor's Pick
Villarreal to win @2.00.
