Alaves - Real Sociedad predictions and free betting tips [31/03/2024]

On Sunday, 31 March, as part of the 30th round of the Spanish La Liga, 'Deportivo Alavés' will host 'Real Sociedad'. The Basques are at the sixth place in the league table, four points ahead of seventh-placed 'Real Betis', whereas the hosts are in the 13th position, seven points clear from the relegation zone. 

Alavés

Last year 'Alavés' made it to the premier division and is having a quality season overall, with all chances to maintain its elite status: currently, the Basques have a 7-point advantage over 'Cádiz', who are placed 18th. However, the Blue-and-Whites have only won one of their last 7 league matches: a couple of weeks ago they defeated 'Rayo Vallecano' (1-0) due to a single goal by Gorosabel, followed by losing 2-0 to 'Athletic Bilbao'. Luis García's ward cannot boast of a splendid home performance: they've obtained 21 points in 14 home matches (the 12th outcome in the division), while scoring 15 goals and conceding 16. By the way, the team's next match will be against 'Granada', and success in this match might practically secure their place in the elite. 

Serbian defender Sedlar has been off the pitch since November due to a severe injury and will definitely be out of the team for Sunday evening. Guridi (4 assists this season), who got injured ahead of the international break, has recovered and is looking forward to joining the starting lineup. On the attacking front, 'Alavés' is directed by Samu Omorodion (9 goals in La Liga), who is most likely to return to 'Atlético Madrid' at the end of the season. Overall, head coach García is unlikely to make many changes compared to the last round, although there is one squad intrigue: who will win the competition on the left flank – Carlos Vicente or Giuliano Simeone. 

Real Sociedad

In the Champions League, Real Sociedad failed to resist PSG (aggregate defeat 1:4) and was out in the Round of 16. The Basques were also ousted by 'Mallorca' in the Copa del Rey semi-final, so the only way to secure a European cup spot now is through the national championship. Currently, the blue-and-whites are in the sixth position, lagging nine points behind upper-ranked 'Atlético Madrid' and ten behind Basque Athletic Club. Ahead of the international break, Real Sociedad won two consecutive matches, first defeating Granada (2:3), then downing the sinking Cádiz (2:0) – the goals were scored by Mikel Merino and Arsen Zakharov. Interesting fact: Imanol Alguacil's players have the fourth-best away record in La Liga, gaining 23 points in 15 matches. 

The coaching staff continue to miss defenders Munoz (end of season), Merkis, Carlos Fernández (meniscus surgery), and right back Odriozola, who transferred from 'Real Madrid' last summer (ruptured cruciate ligament). Both Subeldia and Barrenetxea (3 goals in La Liga) have recovered from their injuries and are hoping to start, but centre-back Le Normand will serve a suspension for Yellow card accumulation. Fortunately, key players Oyarzabal (8 goals in La Liga), Kubo (7 goals in La Liga), Brais Mendez (4 goals, 5 assists), and Merino (4 goals, 3 assists) are available to play from the start, and Kieran Tierney and Aritz Elustondo will patrol the flanks of the defence. 

Head-to-head

In the first round on 2 January, the teams ended in a 1:1 draw, and in the seven previous head-to-head matches, 'Alavés' have not managed to prevail even once. 

Match prediction for Deportivo Alavés - Real Sociedad

'Real Sociedad' rightly appears as the favourite of the encounter and is eager to secure three wins in a row, maintaining the gap from 'Real Betis' in the race for European cups. 'Alavés' has practically guaranteed itself a comfortable season finish and has only scored a victory once in its last seven rounds. Considering the relaxed schedule following its Champions League and Copa del Rey exits, the visitors will put all their energy into performing successfully in La Liga – my bet is on the Basques' victory with a handicap of 0.