Third and fourth La Liga top scorers lock horns
The third and fourth top scorers in La Liga meet at Anoeta Stadium with fifth placed Real Sociedad looking to continue their unbeaten run against 10th placed Villarreal who have enjoyed an upturn in form lately. Villarreal are in fine shape themselves having recorded three wins on the bounce going into the festive period, putting some gloss over what was a poor start to the campaign, tottering precariously above the dog fight, but recent displays have demonstrated their quality. The board stuck with Javier Calleja and had their faith repaid and some as they enjoyed impressive wins over Sevilla and Getafe.
Recent statistics
Both teams have scored in Sociedad’s last six home games, and their matches average 3.11 total goals so far this term which is the second highest in the division. Their attacking prowess has been clear for all to see with them achieving two or more goals in seven of their last 10 matches in front of the home crowd. These entertaining fixtures go from the off as well, there has been a goal in the first 25 minutes in six of their last seven home games.
Also suggesting an entertaining affair, Villarreal have not managed a single away draw this season surprisingly, recording three wins and six losses. Imanol Alguacil’s men need to stay focused to keep the visitors quiet as of top scorer Gerard Moreno’s form in crucial movements, six of his eight strikes in La Liga have come in the initial or final quarter of an hour. Both teams have not got on the scoresheet in the last five identical head-to-heads however this one promises to buck that trend.
Visitors’ biggest creative threat
The evergreen Santi Cazorla has enjoyed a brilliant first half of the season, maintaining his spot in the Spain squad at 35 with consistently strong performances for the Yellow Submarine. A club legend in his third spell with the 10thplaced side is nearing 100 goal involvements with 47 goals and 50 assists in just over 300 appearances. Having recently recovered from injury to play a 20 minute last time out, the vice-captain is sure to boost his side and help deal with Sociedad’s excellent youthful midfield.
With both sides in ruthless goalscoring form we should expect an entertaining matchup that could go either way, though with Real Sociedad justified favourites.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
The aforementioned Santi Cazorla got the winner for this tip and the contest, with Villarreal coming away with a surprising 2-1 victory.