Real Sociedad vs Villarreal Prediction & Betting Tips (13 January)

Real Sociedad did not treat its fans for Christmas by conceding a draw against Las Palmas at home 0-0, and a defeat in Galicia against Celta Vigo 2-0. These two games somewhat broke the momentum of the Basque club which remained on two consecutive successes in La Liga against Bétis 2-0, and Leganes at Butarque 0-3. In the ranking, at the start of this day, Real was blocked at the gates of the top 6 and the first European folding seats. However, we can say that 2025 has started well since the residents of Anoeta obtained their ticket for the 1/8 finals of the Copa del Rey by defeating Ponferradina D3 last weekend 0-2. For its part, the Yellow Submarine, author of an excellent start to the season, has since broken down and his defeat against Athletic Bilbao at San Mames 2-0, hurt him in the quest for fourth qualifying place for the next Champions League.

Today, Villarreal's main mission is to come back to within three lengths of the top 4 and above all to continue after winning at Leganes on the 18th day before Christmas 2-5. A victory which also put an end to a drought of five games without a win in La Liga: 3 draws, 2 defeats. No Copa del Rey on the program last weekend since the men in yellow were surprised in the 32nd final by Pontevedra 1-0, who beat Mallorca in the 16th final.

The starting central defender Zubeldia will miss this opposition due to a suspension (accumulation of yellow cards). Suffering from the Crusaders, the former Rennes player Hamari Traoré will not be on the match sheet, the same goes for the coveted Zubimendi, who would be the target of Real Madrid next summer. Scorer and passer in the Copa del Rey, captain Mikel Oyarzabal (4 goals in the league) held his place. Japanese international Kubo (3 goals in La Liga) is expected to make a difference. For this part, Yeremi Pino will serve an accumulation of yellow cards (suspended).

This is not the only player who will be missing from Marcelino's call since Akhomach was the victim of a cruciate ligament rupture (probable end of season), while Pedraza, Conde (starting goalkeeper), Pepe, the crack Ayoze Perez, and Terrats are likely to stay home as well (injured). On the other hand, note the return of Tricolore Kambwala from suspension. Author of a hat-trick against Leganes and the main architect of his team's victory, Barry (7 goals) is clearly a player to watch for Villarreal but let's not forget the former Spanish international and top scorer in the club's history Gérard Moreno .