Real Sociedad vs Rayo Vallecano prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2024-08-17 17:00.
[p]A fourth consecutive top-six finish in La Liga in 2023/24 ensured European participation this term for Real Sociedad, as they prepare to do battle again under the division’s second-longest serving current boss, Imanol Alguacil. He has been credited with convincing midfielder Martin Zubimendi to remain at the club despite lucrative advances from Liverpool, although the sale of central defender Robin Le Normand coupled with some incomings gives the team a fresh feel.[/p]
[p]Whilst Sociedad ended last season with three wins from their final five games, a strong start is far from guaranteed if history is any indicator, as they’ve failed to win four of their last five La Liga openers (D3, L1). Even so, the case for improving upon that record is strong, with Sociedad unbeaten in each of their last 11 league encounters against Rayo Vallecano (W5, D6) albeit with over a third of those games curiously ending in a 2-2 scoreline! [/p]
[p]Unlike Alguacil, who has spent over five years at Sociedad, Rayo boss Iñigo Pérez has been in post for just over six months, picking up 14 points from as many games to see his side finish just one place above the drop zone last term (W3, D5, L6). A continued return of one point per game on average would leave them at risk of relegation again this time around, so Pérez is under pressure from the off to improve in what is Rayo’s centenary year. [/p]
[p]Only once have Rayo enjoyed a longer stay in the top-flight than their current four-season stint as of 2024/25, although a rather subdued transfer window in which they’ve been limited to loans and free signings may raise the sense of trepidation among supporters. Exacerbating that worry will be Rayo’s tragic away form, as they could go seven without scoring on the road for the first time since 1978 here! [/p]
[p]Players to watch: Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal endeared himself as a national hero over the summer by scoring the winning goal in the Euro 2024 final for Spain – he may also hope for a quick start after scoring twice against Rayo last season. Contributing to an entertaining spectacle may be Rayo’s Adrián Embarba, who saw seven of his last eight scoring appearances also feature over 3.5 total goals.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Real Sociedad won less than half of their home league games as pre-match favourites last season (44% – W8, D6, L4). [/p]
[p][i]Written by Matthew Billon[/i][/p]