A big game in the race for the La Liga European spots is on the schedule for Monday, July 13, 2020, when Villarreal hosts Real Sociedad. Villarreal can clinch a Europa League berth with a win and will also stay hot on Sevilla’s tail for a Champions League spot. Sociedad can solidify their Europa League spot with a big road win.
Entering matchday 36, Villarreal sit in fifth place, with 57 points, and appear on their way to the Europa League. Villarreal have a seven-point lead over Valencia, the first team out of the European spots, with three games to go. Sevilla, who occupy the final Champions League spot, holds a six-point lead over Villarreal.
Real Sociedad sits in seventh place, with 51 points, and are currently the last team in the Europa League. Sociedad are going to be in a fight the rest of the way as they are just one point ahead of Valencia, two points clear of Granada, and three points clear of Athletic Bilbao.
Below is my pick for the La Liga action between Villarreal vs Real Sociedad. All odds are from PointsBet Sportsbook.
Villarreal (+125) vs Real Sociedad (+200) Draw (+250)
Last time out, Villarreal bounced back from a tough defeat to win 3-1 at Getafe. This game was tied late in the second half, but four goals in the last 30 minutes saw Villarreal get the win. Santi Cazorla opened the scoring for the visitors with a penalty in the 66th minute, but Hugo Duro tied it up for the hosts with an 80th minute header. Cazorla once again gave Villarreal the lead with a penalty in the 86th minute and Ruben Pena added insurance in the 93rd minute. Villarreal now have six wins, one draw, and one loss since the La Liga restart. Entering matchday 36, Villarreal are the 10th worst home club in Spain due to an 8-5-4 record and 29 points.
Real Sociedad hosted Granada and suffered a disappointing 3-2 loss. Granada got out to a 2-0 first half lead, but Sociedad fought back to tie the game up in the 83rd minute. Domingos Duarte came through with an 88th minute header to get all three points for Granada. Sociedad have had a rough restart with just one win, two draws, and five losses. Real Sociedad are the seventh best road club thanks to a 6-3-8 record and 21 points.
Series History: These two clubs have met 40 times in the past and Villarreal holds a 17-13-10 advantage. Villarreal won the reverse fixture 2-1 back in early January.
Soccer Prediction: I like Villarreal to get all three points at home.
2020 Results: 78-60