Elche vs Real Sociedad betting tips: La Liga preview, predictions and odds

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Real Sociedad have won five of their last six matches against Elche, keeping a clean sheet in all of those wins. In fact, in all six of their encounters since 2013, one team has kept a clean sheet. 

Both teams to score NO is 4/5.

Both teams to score NO and under 2.5 goals is 11/10.

Real Sociedad to win and under 2.5 goals is 3/1.

Alexander Isak is 9/2 to break the deadlock and 8/5 to score anytime.

Match preview

Real Sociedad v Villarreal CF – La Liga Santander SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN – DECEMBER 18: Alexander Isak of Real Sociedad breaks past Etienne Capoue of Villarreal CF during the La Liga Santander match between Real Sociedad and Villarreal CF at Reale Arena on December 18, 2021 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Ion Alcoba/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

Will Real Sociedad keep their European aspirations on track?

Deep into stoppage time, Mikel Merino was tripped in the area and, with 95:14 on the clock, Alexander Isak smashed home the subsequent spot-kick.

This means Imanol Alguacil’s side have won five of their last eight games, only losing to Real Madrid and Athletic Club in La Liga since the turn of the year.

This leaves Real Sociedad sixth, six points below the top four places, and with Villarreal and Athletic in lukewarm-pursuit.

So, they need more wins to ensure they’re in UEFA competition next season.

Elche meanwhile were leading candidates for relegation at Christmas before winning four of their first seven games in 2022.

However, los Franjiverdes have now only won one of their last five, losing each the last two against Valencia and then Athletic Club.

Josan’s goal in the latter at San Mamés scant consolation.

So, Francisco’s side are 15th, six points clear of danger, looking to increase that cushion.

Elche team news

Elche CF v Athletic Club – La Liga Santander ELCHE, SPAIN – MAY 22: Lucas Boye of Elche CF celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the La Liga Santander match between Elche CF and Athletic Club at Estadio Martinez Valero on May 22, 2021 in Elche, Spain. A limited number of fans will be allowed into the stadium. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Lucas Boyé and Pere Milla could continue to lead Elche’s attack, chosen over Guido Carrillo and Ezequiel Ponce.

Gonzalo Verdú will captain the side from centre-back.

Real Sociedad team news

Picture4 SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 29: Mikel Oyarzabal of Real Sociedad celebrates after scoring goal during the La Liga Santader match between Real Sociedad and Villarreal CF at Estadio Anoeta on November 29, 2020 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Real Sociedad have only scored 30 goals in La Liga this season, only four clubs have scored less and they all find themselves 14th or lower.

Their cause hasn’t been helped by the fact that Mikel Oyarzabal is out long-term, as is Ander Barrenetxea and Carlos Fernández.

So, there’s extra responsibility on Alexander Isak’s shoulders with the Swede scoring his ninth goal of the season on Monday night.

Adnan Januzaj is fit again so could return to the attacking trio, alongside David Silva and Portu, with Alexander Sørloth dropping out.

La Liga table:

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