Kick-off: Saturday, 15th December 2024, at 17:30 GMT

On Sunday, 15th December 2024, Real Sociedad will welcome UD Las Palmas to the Reale Arena in a clash between two teams with contrasting ambitions this season. Sociedad, currently 6th, are in the hunt for a European spot, while Las Palmas are sitting 14th, focusing on maintaining their distance from the relegation zone. Sociedad’s strong form and Las Palmas’ defensive organisation suggest a tight but controlled game with few goals.

Form Analysis: Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad are enjoying a strong run of form, unbeaten in their last five La Liga matches, with four wins and one draw. Their overall record this season stands at 7 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses. However, their performances at home have been somewhat inconsistent, dropping points against teams lower in the table earlier this season.

Key players like Mikel Oyarzabal and Takefusa Kubo have been critical to Sociedad’s attacking output. Oyarzabal, with 7 goals in the league, is the go-to man for finishing chances, while Kubo’s creativity and pace on the flanks provide vital width. Defensively, Real Sociedad have shown some vulnerability, but their overall organisation has been enough to get results against mid-table opponents.

Form Analysis: UD Las Palmas

Las Palmas are a team on the rise under Diego Martínez, coming into this match unbeaten in their last three La Liga fixtures. With 18 points from 16 matches, they’ve built a buffer from the relegation zone, but they remain cautious given their struggles earlier in the season.

While Sandro Ramírez has been their standout performer in attack, the team’s overall success has come from their defensive solidity and ability to frustrate opponents. They’ve kept clean sheets in two of their last three games, even against stronger sides. However, the suspension of key defender Álex Suárez might weaken their backline in this match.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Historically, Real Sociedad have dominated this fixture, winning three of the last five meetings. Las Palmas did manage to secure a draw in one of their last visits to the Reale Arena, but Sociedad’s overall strength has often proved decisive. The last encounter ended 2-0 in Sociedad’s favour, reflecting their control in matches against Las Palmas.

Tactical Analysis

Real Sociedad are likely to stick with their 4-3-3 formation, focusing on controlling possession and creating chances through their wide players. With Oyarzabal and Kubo leading the attack, Sociedad will look to break down Las Palmas’ defensive lines with intricate passing and quick combinations.

Las Palmas, on the other hand, will likely adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, with an emphasis on defensive organisation and counter-attacks. They will rely on Jonathan Viera’s creativity in midfield and Sandro Ramírez’s finishing ability to capitalise on any defensive lapses from Sociedad. However, their limited attacking firepower might struggle to penetrate Sociedad’s defensive line.

Predicted Lineups

  • Real Sociedad (4-3-3): Remiro – Gorosabel, Le Normand, Pacheco, Rico – Zubimendi, Merino, Méndez – Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea
  • UD Las Palmas (4-2-3-1): Valles – Lemos, Curbelo, Mármol, Cardona – Loiodice, Mfulu – Pejiño, Viera, Moleiro – Ramírez

Betting Options and Odds

  1. Real Sociedad to Win and Under 3.5 Goals (Odds: 2.10): Sociedad’s attacking quality and Las Palmas’ defensive organisation suggest a controlled game with few goals.
  2. Real Sociedad to Win by Exactly One Goal (Odds: 3.25): Sociedad’s tendency to win narrowly at home makes this an interesting option.
  3. Under 2.5 Goals (Odds: 1.85): With Las Palmas likely to focus on defending and Sociedad rarely producing high-scoring matches, this outcome is plausible.

Betting Tip & Prediction: Real Sociedad vs. UD Las Palmas (15.12.2024)

Real Sociedad’s superior quality and home advantage make them favourites, but Las Palmas’ improved form and defensive discipline could keep the scoreline tight. Sociedad should control possession and create enough chances to secure the win, but don’t expect a goal-fest.

  • Our Tip: Real Sociedad to Win and Under 3.5 Goals (Odds: 2.10)
  • Predicted Score: Real Sociedad 2-0 UD Las Palmas