Two European hopefuls clash at the Estadi Ceramica on Sunday. Our Villarreal vs Real Sociedad prediction and La Liga betting tips consider whether the Yellow Submarine can take another step towards Champions League qualification.
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Villarreal vs Real Sociedad prediction: Ayoze to fire in home win
Key stats
- Our Villarreal vs Real Sociedad betting tips take into account that 90% of La Real matches this term in La Liga have served up under 3.5 goals.
- The last eight Villarreal matches have produced under 3.5 goals.
- Marcelino’s side have won 50% of their matches in 2025.
Correct score prediction: Villarreal 2-0 Real Sociedad
Both sides have some big absentees heading into this game, but Real Sociedad’s problems are greater, particularly at the back, where they could be missing their first-choice central defenders again.
Villarreal took a big step towards securing a top-five finish by defeating a direct rival last weekend, and they have enough quality up top to seal another victory in this game.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Marcelino’s men the odds-on favourites
- HOME: 7/10 (1.70) – 58.8%
- DRAW: 11/4 (3.75) – 26.7%
- AWAY: 19/5 (4.80) – 20.8%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The hosts are the favourites according to the Villarreal vs Real Sociedad odds, with an implied probability of 58.8% that they win this match.
They were 2-1 winners away to Real Betis last time out, with Ayoze Perez netting the winner on his return to his former club.
As for Real Sociedad, their European hopes were hit by a big blow, as they lost 2-0 at home to Mallorca.
For more from the upcoming action, today’s free betting tips look at some of the best picks.
Most recent H2Hs: A happy hunting ground for La Real
Our Villarreal vs Real Sociedad prediction suggests this match could buck the recent trend which has seen the Basque side win four of the last six meetings at the Ceramica.
Only one of the last six meetings has served up more than three goals.
Spain La Liga 13/01/25
Real Sociedad
Villarreal
Spain La Liga 23/02/24
Real Sociedad
Villarreal
Spain La Liga 09/12/23
Villarreal
Real Sociedad
Spain La Liga 02/04/23
Villarreal
Real Sociedad
Spain La Liga 09/10/22
Real Sociedad
Villarreal
Villarreal preview: Baena blow for the hosts
Alex Baena is a big injury absentee for Villarreal. They also have doubts over Raul Albiol, Tajon Buchanan and Gerard Moreno heading into this.
Predicted Lineup: Junior (GK), Cardona, Costa, Foyth, Femenia, Pedraza, Parejo, Comesana, Pino, Ayoze & Barry
Spain La Liga 20/04/25 D Real Sociedad 2 Villarreal 2 Spain La Liga 13/04/25 W Real Betis 1 Villarreal 2 Spain La Liga 06/04/25 D Athletic Bilbao 0 Villarreal 0 Spain La Liga 30/03/25 W Getafe 1 Villarreal 2 Spain La Liga 15/03/25 L Real Madrid 2 Villarreal 1
Real Sociedad preview: Imanol’s problems continue
Key midfielder Martin Zubimendi is suspended for the visitors. They also have injury doubts over Igor Zubedia, Ander Barrenetxea, Nayef Aguerd and Sheraldo Becker. Alvaro Odriozola and Arsen Zakharyan will also definitely miss out.
Predicted Lineup: Remiro (GK), Munoz, Pacheco, Elustondo, Aramburu, Marin, Turrientes, Sucic, S. Gomez, Oyarzabal & Kubo
Spain La Liga 20/04/25 D Villarreal 2 Real Sociedad 2 Spain La Liga 12/04/25 L Mallorca 2 Real Sociedad 0 Spain La Liga 06/04/25 W Las Palmas 1 Real Sociedad 3 Spain Copa del Rey 01/04/25 D Real Madrid 4 Real Sociedad 4 Spain La Liga 29/03/25 W Valladolid 1 Real Sociedad 2 
Player to watch – Ayoze Perez
The home team’s main goal threat is likely to come from Ayoze. The forward’s strike at the Benito Villamarin last time out was his 13th goal in 23 appearances in La Liga this term.
Ayoze firing in the shots
The former Newcastle and Leicester man is getting into lots of good positions. His average of 2.6 shots per game in the league is more than any other player who could feature in this match.