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Aston Villa will ramp up their preparation for the coming Premier League season on Tuesday, when they face Spanish side Real Sociedad at Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium.
The Lions have already played two friendlies ahead of their clash with their La Liga opponents, who have played three friendlies themselves, the most recent of which was a 2-1 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers on July 25.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Aston Villa vs Real Sociedad key stats
- Both teams have scored in five of Aston Villa's past eight fixtures.
- Aston Villa have scored at least three goals in four of their last seven games.
- Real Sociedad have only been prevented from scoring in one of their seven most recent fixtures.
- Villa have conceded at least two goals in three of their past six matches.
- Real Sociedad have scored first in four of their last five games.
Aston Villa vs Real Sociedad preview: A difficult summer for Unai Emery?
Aston Villa vs Real Sociedad — Tale of the Tape
| Aston Villa | vs | Real Sociedad |
|---|---|---|
| 4th (2025-26 Premier League) | Position | 10th (2025-26 La Liga) |
| 65 | Points | 46 |
| 56 | Goals For | 59 |
| 49 | Goals Against | 61 |
| 9 | Clean Sheets | 3 |
| 4th | Home / Away Rank | 13th |
Aston Villa enjoyed an historic campaign, as they not only finished fourth and secured Champions League football for the second time in three seasons, but they also managed to win the Europa League.
That trophy success ended a drought that had lasted 30 years, and many fans are keen for the club to push their way closer to the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City.
However, the summer has proven significantly challenging to Unai Emery, who has witnessed Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans leave the club, while midfielder Amadou Onana picked up a serious knee injury during the World Cup.
Johan Manzambi did sign for Villa over Newcastle, and he is versatile enough to play in multiple positions, so perhaps he could be seen as a key player next term.
New signing Alejandro Garnacho could play a role on Tuesday, though it remains to be seen whether Emery will use him from the start of the match.
Real Sociedad come into their fixture against Villa having endured a frustratingly stagnant season, finishing 10th in La Liga with just 46 points, the exact same total they accumulated in 2024-25.
The Spanish side appointed Pellegrino Matarazzo as boss in December, with the 48-year-old replacing Sergio Francisco, though his side ended the league season winless in seven matches (three losses, four draws).
Erreala have played three friendlies, and after losing 1-0 against Pau FC and drawing 1-1 with Racing Santander, they will be delighted to have finally ended their winless streak against Wolves, even if that victory was not a competitive success.
Right-back Alvaro Odriozola is set to miss out until February due to a serious knee injury, though he is the only injury concern ahead of Real Sociedad on Tuesday.
Aston Villa vs Real Sociedad form guide & betting tips
| AST | vs | SOC |
|---|---|---|
WWWWL |
Form | LDLDW |
| 15 | Goals For | 7 |
| 5 | Goals Against | 8 |
WL |
Friendly form | LDW |
Whispers predicts: Aston Villa 3-2 Real Sociedad
While Aston Villa are dealing with injury issues and problems in terms of squad depth, it comes as no surprise to see them backed by the bookmakers at 1/1 (2).
Given both teams have scored in five of Aston Villa's past eight fixtures, a prediction of Both Teams to Score at 4/6 (1.67) would make sense.
Villa have proven vulnerable defensively over the past months, so it could be sensible to predict Over 1.5 Goals for Real Sociedad, valued at 13/8 (2.63).
Considering that Aston Villa have scored at least three goals in four of their last seven games, there may be some value in predicting Over 2.5 Goals for Aston Villa at 3/1 (4).
> Both Teams to Score at 4/6 (1.67) | Likelihood: Probable
> Over 1.5 Goals for Real Sociedad 3/1 (4) | Likelihood: Possible
> Over 2.5 Goals for Aston Villa | Likelihood: Outsider