Valencia and Real Sociedad will face off at the Mestalla in their first game of the new 2025/26 La Liga campaign on Saturday night. Interestingly, both teams finished on the same points last season, with Sociedad pipping Valencia to 11th place by virtue of their superior H2H record.
Both sides will be hoping to improve on last season's finish and will be aiming for at least the top half of the table, with one eye up at the European places. Nonetheless, we are expecting an entertaining encounter on Saturday.
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Valencia vs Real Sociedad prediction: Visitors to sneak victory?
Key stats
- Valencia have only won one of their last eight games in total in all competitions.
- Sociedad are unbeaten in five pre-season friendlies leading up to this clash.
- Sociedad have won three of the previous four H2Hs in all competitions.
Correct score prediction: Valencia 0-1 Real Sociedad
Interestingly, four of the last five H2Hs have ended in a 1-0 scoreline, and we can see a similar pattern emerging here. We are willing to back the visitors given their superior form and record in recent meetings.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Valencia slight favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 8/5 (2.60) – 38.5%
- DRAW: 19/10 (2.90) – 34.5%
- AWAY: 19/10 (2.90) – 34.5%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Valencia are only just favoured by bookmakers to claim all three points on home soil. Interestingly, a draw and a Sociedad victory away from home are rated at the same odds.
Also, feel free to check out our dedicated Football Betting Tips Today page.
Most recent H2Hs: Sociedad hold slight advantage
As mentioned before, Sociedad have won three of the last four meetings across all competitions. Interestingly, each of the last five winners of this fixture have done so while also managing to keep a clean sheet, suggesting that we may not see a lot of goals here.
Spain La Liga 19/01/25
Valencia
Real Sociedad
Spain La Liga 28/09/24
Real Sociedad
Valencia
Spain La Liga 16/05/24
Real Sociedad
Valencia
Spain La Liga 27/09/23
Valencia
Real Sociedad
Spain La Liga 25/02/23
Valencia
Real Sociedad
Valencia preview: Two key players injured
Valencia are expected to be without both Alberto Mari and Thierry Correia through injury as they welcome Sociedad to the Mestalla. Otherwise, the hosts have a fully fit squad to choose from.
Predicted lineup: Agirrezabala (GK), Gaya, Copete, Tarrega, Foulquier, Lopez, Guerra, Pepelu, Rioja, Raba & Duro
Spain La Liga 10/05/25
W
Getafe
0
Valencia
3
Spain La Liga 03/05/25
W
Las Palmas
2
Valencia
3
Spain La Liga 22/04/25
D
Espanyol
1
Valencia
1
Spain La Liga 19/04/25
D
Rayo Vallecano
1
Valencia
1
Spain La Liga 11/04/25
W
Sevilla
0
Valencia
1
Real Sociedad preview: Gorrotxategi a major doubt
Jon Gorrotxategi, who is expected to replace the now Arsenal player Martin Zubimendi in the middle of the park in the long term, is the only major fitness doubt for Sociedad. Otherwise, the visitors can name a fairly strong starting XI to try and grab hold of all three points.
Predicted lineup: Remiro (GK), Gomez, Martin, Zubeldia, Aramburu, Gonzalez de Zarate, Sucic, Mendez, Oyarzabal, Oskarsson & Kubo
Spain La Liga 13/05/25
L
Celta Vigo
1
Real Sociedad
0
Spain La Liga 10/05/25
L
Atletico Madrid
4
Real Sociedad
0
Spain La Liga 04/05/25
D
Athletic Bilbao
0
Real Sociedad
0
Spain La Liga 23/04/25
L
CD Alaves
1
Real Sociedad
0
Spain La Liga 20/04/25
D
Villarreal
2
Real Sociedad
2
Player to watch: Mikel Oyarzabal
Following the departure of key midfielder Zubimendi to Arsenal earlier in the summer transfer window, Sociedad players will now be looking more up to Mikel Oyarzabal to inspire them on the pitch. The captain is already highly influential, and remains one of the biggest goal threats in the team.