Real Sociedad vs Alavés betting tips: La Liga preview and predictions

Recommended bets

Real Sociedad have won their last three home games against Alavés, dating back to a shock 1-0 away win in December 2018. Since these two drew 1-1 on 2 January, Alavés have failed to score in five of nine La Liga fixtures.

Under 2.5 goals is 4/5.

Real Sociedad to win and under 2.5 goals is 9/4.

Mikel Oyarzabal is 4/1 to break the deadlock and 13/10 to score anytime.

Match preview

Real Sociedad v Villarreal CF - La Liga Santander SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN - DECEMBER 18: Alexander Isak of Real Sociedad breaks past Etienne Capoue of Villarreal CF during the La Liga Santander match between Real Sociedad and Villarreal CF at Reale Arena on December 18, 2021 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Ion Alcoba/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

Will Real Sociedad get their European aspirations back on track?

Last Saturday night, los Txuri-Urdin were hammered 4-1 at the Bernabéu by Real Madrid, despite leading through Mikel Oyarzabal's early penalty.

That is only la Real's second league defeat of 2022 but the other was a 4-0 thumping at Athletic Club, their biggest Basque Derby defeat for 63 years.

Also, Imanol Alguacil's side have actually only won four of their last 14 La Liga games, slipping from first to their current position of sixth.

But, having been dumped out both the Copa del Rey and Europa League in February, against Real Betis and RB Leipzig, this is their sole focus now.

Starting the weekend just four points below the Champions League places, can Real Sociedad close that gap?

Alavés meanwhile make the short 68 mile journey north towards the coast in desperate need of points themselves.

El Glorioso's last game was a relatively uneventful goalless draw with second-placed Sevilla which, in of itself, is a decent point.

However, since José Luis Mendilibar took over as Head Coach, they've won just one of eight matches, accumulating a measly seven points.

As a result, Alavés remain 19th, above only Levante, three points below Granada and safety.

Next Saturday lunchtime, Granada visit Mendizorrotza in, what will be, a massive game at the bottom.

Before then, which side will win this Basque derby at Anoeta?

Real Sociedad team news

Real Sociedad v Athletic Club - La Liga Santander SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN - OCTOBER 31: Robin Le Normand of Real Sociedad duels for the ball with Inaki Williams of Athletic Club during the La Liga Santander match between Real Sociedad and Athletic Club at Reale Arena on October 31, 2021 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Now they're out of the Europa League, Imanol Alguacil and his team have had a much needed week without a game to work on the training ground.

They're still short at left-back with Nacho Monreal, Aihen Muñoz and Diego Rico still out so Andoni Gorosabel will switch across from the right.

In midfield, Rafinha made an instant impact when he arrived on loan from Paris Saint-Germain but has fallen out of favour recently.

David Silva, Mikel Oyarzabal and Alexander Isak, on their day, are a fantastic attacking trio, so will be hoping to be just that here.

Deportivo Alavés team news

Sevilla FC v Deportivo Alavés - La Liga Santander SEVILLE, SPAIN - MAY 23: Facundo Pellistri of Deportivo Alaves looks on during the La Liga Santander match between Sevilla FC and Deportivo Alavés at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on May 23, 2021 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

José Luis Mendilibar isn't likely to change too much, despite finding a winning formulae hard to come by.

Joselu remains their talisman up front having scored 12 of their 12 goals in La Liga this season, a staggering 57%

Their only other starter to have scored multiple league goals this season is captain and centre-back Víctor Laguardia with two.

La Liga table:

- 101 Great Goals may earn commission from links on this page. Our content is always original. Note that all of our reviewers are compensated for contributing content to 101 Great Goals. Learn more.