Sociedad vs Ajax Preview, Prediction, and Top Bets: A Clash of Titans in European Football

Under the lights of the Europa League, Real Sociedad go head-to-head with Ajax Amsterdam. The Dutch powerhouse remains unbeaten in this competition, boasting three wins and a draw, while the Spaniards sit precariously at the 25th spot in the League Stage table with only four points. Let's dive into this thrilling matchup!

Real Sociedad's Wave of Form

Real Sociedad have had a bumpy start to the season, managing just two victories in their initial 11 matches. However, they've since picked up their pace, racking up five wins in their last eight games across three competitions! A 1-0 victory at Girona was followed by a 2-1 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv in Belgrade, but their home struggles persisted with a 2-0 loss to Osasuna. Suddenly, they've grown wings on foreign soil, claiming a 2-0 victory at Sevilla, only to falter again with a 2-1 loss at Viktoria Plzen in Europe. Their inconsistency has been a rollercoaster, as shown by their 1-0 home win over Barcelona in La Liga, which they earned with just 30% possession! A 5-0 Copa del Rey victory against lower-league Jove Espanyol buoyed their spirits, but their enthusiasm faded with a lackluster 1-0 loss at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

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Real Sociedad Team Updates

Coach Imanol Alguacil currently misses right-back Álvaro Odriozola and central midfielder Urko González. The season-ending knee surgery on right-back Hamari Traoré adds to their woes. The promising Orri Oskarsson, a young striker, is also facing doubts following an injury sustained during international duty with Iceland. Key offensive force Mikel Oyarzabal, despite only scoring two goals this season, will be crucial in this clash.

Real Sociedad's Fight for Redemption

Real Sociedad urgently require a win to break into the top 24 spots, securing a spot in the next stage of the competition. They favor a possession-based tactic, but their unexpected 1-0 home win over Barcelona demonstrated that they're willing to adapt, even with just 30% possession.

Ajax's Dominant Run

Ajax have recovered spectacularly since last season's struggles. In 21 matches across all competitions, they've lost just once. They kicked off their Europa League campaign with a commanding 4-0 win over Besiktas, followed by a 3-0 victory at nine-man Qarabag on matchday three. Recent triumphs include a 2-0 league win at Feyenoord, a thrilling 3-2 home victory over PSV, a 5-0 home win against Maccabi Tel Aviv, and a 2-2 draw at FC Twente. On Sunday, they comfortably secured a 2-0 home win over PEC Zwolle.

Ajax's Team Bulletin

Coach Francesco Farioli may recall Chuba Akpom and Wout Weghorst to the attack after both came off the bench in their last match. However, Ajax face four injury concerns: Julian Rijkhoff, Gastón Ávila, Sivert Heggheim Mannsverk, and both Amourricho van Axel Dongen and Mika Godts are all uncertain for selection.

Ajax's Aim for Upsurge

Ajax are in a strong position in Europe and would see a draw as a suitable result in this fixture. Their upcoming domestic match against NEC Nijmegen is unlikely to divert their focus, allowing them to concentrate fully on their journey to Spain.

Key Stats

Real Sociedad: Five wins and three losses in their last eight matches.
Real Sociedad: Six losses in their last nine home fixtures.
Ajax: Have lost just one of their 21 matches this season across all competitions.
Ajax: Wout Weghorst has scored four goals in his last nine matches.
Ajax: Their last 16 matches have featured 45 goals in total.

Verdict

Ajax have regained their form compared to last season and are well-positioned to avoid defeat in Spain. Real Sociedad's poor home record adds value to betting on the Dutch side for a win.

*Best Bet: Ajax win/draw double chance at 1.90.*

*Value Bet: Ajax win at 4.05.*

*Anytime Goalscorer Tip: Wout Weghorst at 3.90.*

James O'Connor, a football analyst, provides his insights. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis

Real Sociedad, currently struggling in the League Stage table with only four points, have shown signs of improvement in their recent performances, managing five wins in their last eight games across three competitions.
Amidst their inconsistent form, Real Sociedad managed to secure a 1-0 home win over Barcelona in La Liga, showcasing their adaptability even with just 30% possession.
Ajax, on the other hand, have recovered impressively since last season's struggles, losing just once in their last 21 matches across all competitions.
The Dutch powerhouse, currently unbeaten in the Europa League, boasts three wins and a draw in the competition so far.
Both teams will clash under the lights of the Europa League, with Ajax targeting a draw as a suitable result to maintain their position in the competition.
Key Ajax striker Wout Weghorst, who has scored four goals in his last nine matches, will be a crucial factor in this high-stakes clash.