Real Sociedad has won four of their last five matches to remain in the fifth spot of the Spanish top-flight table. They are now only one point behind fourth-place squad Atletico Madrid for the final Champions League qualifying berth for the next season.
The Txuriurdin is coming off a tough 2-1 win over middling side Espanyol on the road at the Cornella-El Prat Stadium last Friday, as per SkySports.
Mexican striker Carlos Vela netted the opening goal for head coach Eusebio Sacristan's squad in the 26th minute with a left-footed shot from the center of the box off an assist by Inigo Martinez via a through ball.
Espanyol midfielder Hernan Perez was able to knot the count nine minutes later with a right-footed shot from the right side of the six-yard box with the assist coming from Spanish midfielder Jose Antonio Reyes.
However, La Real managed to score the winning goal in the 61st minute, courtesy of Asier Illarramendi's own right-footer from long distance.
Meanwhile, a 10-man Villarreal squad was held to a 1-1 draw by lowly team Malaga at their own home ground of Estadio de la Cerámica last Sunday, via ESPN.
Malaga's Brazilian forward Charles scored the first goal early in the 14th minute to give the reeling contenders a scare, but Villarreal captain Bruno was able to find the equalizer in the 62nd minute with a converted penalty kick off a foul by defender Martin Demichelis.
Villarreal midfielder Roberto Soriano was then sent off in the 71st after getting booked with a direct red card for violent conduct.
Head coach Fran Escribá's side was able to salvage the draw even at a one-man disadvantage. It was the fifth winless effort of Villarreal in their last six outings as the team dropped to sixth in the overall standings.
Prediction and Predicted Lineup
The predicted result is a close 2-1 decision for Real Sociedad.
Real Sociedad starting lineup (4-3-3 formation): Rulli; Odriozola, Navas, Martinez, Berchiche; Prieto, Illarramendi, Zurutuza; Vela, Jose, Oyarzabal
Villarreal starting lineup (4-4-2 formation): Asenjo; Mario, Alvaro, Ruiz, Jose Angel; dos Santos, Trigueros, Bruno, Cheryshev; Lopez, Sansone
Head To Head
Real Sociedad have only won 1 of the last 11 meetings. However, that did come just last month in the Copa del Rey at the Anoeta when they won 3-1, before a 1-1 draw in Villarreal secured their progress.
Real Sociedad vs Villarreal Stats
Real Sociedad have won 7 of their last 9 home league games. There have been under 2.5 goals in 80% of Villarreal's league away games.
Real Sociedad Team News
Top scorer Willian Jose could be out until April so Juanmi will get a run of games up top. That could be the only change though with Odriozola set to get another go at right-back.
Villarreal Team News
Midfielder Roberto Soriano is suspended. Villarreal should be at full strength otherwise but may make some changes following their Europa League horror-show against Roma on Thursday.
Real Sociedad vs Villarreal Predictions
Home Win at 19/20 with bet365
Correct Score Prediction
Real Sociedad to Win 2-0 at 7/1 with bet365
