Deportivo AlavesvsReal Sociedad San Sebastian

A Clash of Basque Titans

As the sun sets over the picturesque Basque Country, the stage is set for a classic encounter between Deportivo Alaves and Real Sociedad San Sebastian. These two storied clubs, steeped in history and regional pride, are poised to battle it out at the Mendizorrotza Stadium, a venue that has witnessed many a thrilling contest between these rivals.

Deportivo Alaves: A Struggle for Stability

Deportivo Alaves, currently languishing in the 18th position in La Liga, are in desperate need of points to escape the relegation zone. Their recent form has been a mixed bag, with a solitary win in their last six matches. The return of defender Garces from his loan spell is a welcome boost, yet the absence of goalkeeper Antonio Sivera due to injury is a significant blow. Sivera's consistent performances have been a rare bright spot for Alaves, and his replacement, Jesus Owono, will have big gloves to fill. Alaves' attack has been spearheaded by Kike, who has netted 11 goals this season, but the team has struggled to find the back of the net consistently, failing to score in two of their last seven home matches.

Real Sociedad: Aiming for European Glory

Real Sociedad, on the other hand, are eyeing European qualification spots, sitting comfortably in the upper echelons of the table. Under the astute management of Imanol Alguacil, they have shown resilience and determination, highlighted by a recent victory over league leaders FC Barcelona. The form of Alexander Sorloth has been instrumental, with the former Crystal Palace striker proving to be a clinical finisher. Sociedad's defense has been solid, conceding just 14 goals in 20 matches, and they have not lost in their last six games. Their away form has been particularly impressive, remaining unbeaten in their last four outings.

Historical Context and Tactical Insights

Historically, Alaves have had the upper hand when hosting Sociedad, winning 12 of the last 20 encounters at home. However, recent trends favor Sociedad, who have not lost in their last six matches and have scored in each of these games. The most common scoreline between these two sides has been 2-1, a result that has occurred eight times. Alaves' tendency to score late, with 36% of their goals coming in the final 15 minutes, could be a factor, but Sociedad's ability to strike early in the second half, with 35% of their goals scored between the 46th and 60th minutes, might just tip the balance in their favor.

Prediction: A Narrow Victory for Real Sociedad

Given the current form and squad dynamics, Real Sociedad are poised to edge this encounter. While Alaves have shown they can be competitive, the absence of Sivera and their inconsistent scoring form could prove costly. Expect a closely contested match, with both teams finding the net, but Sociedad's superior quality and recent momentum should see them through to a narrow victory.