Villarreal will set their sights on winning their fourth consecutive home game across all competitions when they host Real Sociedad at Estadio de la Ceramica on Friday.
Securing a top-four spot remains the priority for the Yellow Submarine as they hunt for a place in next season's Champions League.
Real Sociedad, meanwhile, will look to improve their fortunes on the road after losing two of their last three away games.
Read our Villarreal vs Real Sociedad prediction, preview and betting tips. You can also check out our Today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
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Villarreal vs Real Sociedad key stats
- Both teams were on the scoresheet in seven of Villarreal's last eight matches.
- Four of the last five encounters between these teams went above the 2.5-goal threshold.
- Five or more cards were awarded in six of Villarreal's last seven games.
Villarreal vs Real Sociedad preview: Hosts to complete the sweep?
| Villarreal | vs | Real Sociedad |
|---|---|---|
| 4th | Position | 7th |
| 55 | Points | 38 |
| 51 | Goals For | 43 |
| 33 | Goals Against | 42 |
| 8 | Clean Sheets | 2 |
| 4th | Home Rank | 7th |
| 4th | Away Rank | 11th |
Villarreal needed a stoppage-time equaliser to secure a point against Deportivo Alaves last weekend.
Although Marcelino's troops have managed only one win in their last seven away games across all competitions, they have been one of the best home teams in La Liga this season, winning 11 of their 14 league games at Estadio de la Ceramica.
Real Sociedad have converted all six of their penalties in La Liga this season.
On the injury front, the Yellow Submarine have Ayoze Perez ruled out of this game, with the forward unavailable until next month due to muscular problems.
As has been the case in recent months, Pau Cabanes and Juan Foyth are both ruled out for the remainder of the season due to ligament ruptures.
Real Sociedad, on the other hand, are coming off a 3-1 victory over Osasuna. They have enjoyed some fine form in recent weeks, winning three of their last four matches across two competitions.
Interestingly, although Pellegrino Matarazzo's troops suffered a 3-2 home defeat in the reverse fixture, they have won four of their last seven competitive trips to Estadio de la Ceramica, losing only once in that stretch.
Only two teams have scored more goals than Villarreal in La Liga this season.
For the visitors, Alvaro Odriozola is out for the remainder of the season because of a ligament injury.
Yangel Herrera is suffering from a calf problem, ruling the midfielder out until early April, while Benat Turrientes has accumulated the maximum allowable number of yellow cards, leading to his suspension for Friday.
Villarreal vs Real Sociedad form guide & betting tips
| Villarreal | vs | Real Sociedad |
|---|---|---|
| W-W-L-W-D | Form | L-D-W-L-W |
| 10 | Points | 7 |
| 3rd | Form Table | 10th |
| 7 | Goals For | 10 |
| 7 | Goals Against | 11 |
Whispers Predicts: Villarreal 2-1 Real Sociedad
At 2.00, Villarreal are considered favourites by the bookies, and considering Real Sociedad's recent struggles on the road, we are confident that the Yellow Submarine will extend their winning streak at home.
Three of the last four clashes between these teams have gone above the 3.5-goal line, so over 2.5 total goals at 1.80 seems like good value.
Interestingly, Villarreal have won three consecutive home games while conceding exactly one goal in each victory. For this reason, we fancy Villarreal & BTTS - Yes at 3.70.
Moreover, the Yellow Submarine won their last two home games by the same 2-1 scoreline; a repeat of that result on Friday can be backed at 8.60.
> BTTS - Yes at 1.71 | Likelihood: Probable
> Over 2.5 goals at 1.80 | Likelihood: Probable
> Match result - Villarreal at 2.00 | Likelihood: Probable
> Villarreal & BTTS - Yes at 3.70 | Likelihood: Possible
> Correct score: 2-1 at 8.60 | Likelihood: Outsider