Relegation woes continue this week in the La Liga for Elche as they welcome Europa League searching Real Sociedad. The match schedules for Friday at the Reale Arena, with a kickoff at 10 pm.
In their last outing, the hosts, who recently lost to Huesca, find themselves deep in the relegation line. On the other hand, Real Sociedad might be away from a Champions League spot but need a win to solidify their stance for a Europa League spot.
It remained a major mission for Imanol Alguacil’s to make it three consecutive wins in the La Liga while heading to struggling Huesca. But, unfortunately, an own goal from Aritz Elustondo in the 87th minute nearly cost them a chance for a Europa League spot.
Even though Alguacil finds himself in contention for a top-six finish, the competition becomes stiff, with Villarreal and Real Betis slowly closing in. Only one point separates from sixth-placed Villarreal and two points from seventh-placed Real Betis.
Additionally, the hosts have 14 wins, 11 draws, and nine losses in their last 34 La Liga matches to amass 53 points. The remaining matches for the Basque outfit includes Atletico Madrid, Real Valladolid and Osasuna.
In contrast, Elche finds themselves on unfamiliar grounds – below the dotted lines. However, a lot of optimism given a win this week elevates them above Real Valladolid and Alaves.
Real Sociedad vs Elche Head to Head
Both sides have 11 games against each other, with Real Sociedad taking five wins while Elche with three wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Huesca 1-0 Real Sociedad
- Eibar 1-0 Real Sociedad
- Real Sociedad 2-1 Celta Vigo
- Real Sociedad 1-2 Sevilla
- Valencia 2-2 Real Sociedad
Away
- Elche 0-1 Atletico Madrid
- Elche 1-0 Levante
- Osasuna 2-0 Elche
- Huesca 3-1 Elche
- Elche 1-1 Real Betis
Real Sociedad Team News
Alguacil finds himself without several key players with Igo Zubeldia, Jon Pacheco, Mikel Merino, Aihen Munoz, Asier Illarramendi and Luca Sangalli. A major boost ahead of the clash is the return of David Silva. Adnan Janujaz gets a start ahead of the attack.
Elche Team News
Johan Mojica and Guido Murillo remain unavailable for selection through muscle and hamstring injuries, respectively. Head coach Escriba might be slow to make changes to the starting lineup, given Lucas Boye and Pere Milla. Tete Morente and Fidel get to operate on the wide wings.
Prediction and Odds
We envisage an upset this Friday with the hosts highly motivated to avoid relegation while hosts no in-form.
Draw
Goals Under 2.5
Most Goals: 2H
