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Prediction: Ajax to win 3-1
Best Odds: 45/2
Real Sociedad and Ajax will lock horns with each other in the League Stage of the UEFA Europa League this week. The match between the La Liga club and the Eredivisie outfit will be held at the Reale Arena and is scheduled to kick off at 8 pm UK time on Thursday.
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad are a big and established club in Spain who always aim to be in and around the European places in the La Liga table. They finished as high as sixth in the league standings last season and will be more than happy to end up in a similar position this time around.
Sociedad are not doing so well at the moment. Imanol Alguacil’s side 10th in the La Liga table with 18 points from 14 games. They are seven points behind the fourth and final UEFA Champions League spot. Sociedad are struggling in Europe as well. La Real are 25th in the League Stage table with just four points from four games.
The White and Blues will head into the UEFA Europa League match against Ajax at the Reale Arena on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao away from home in La Liga. It came after a 5-0 hammering of Jove Espanyol on the road in the Copa del Rey which came after a 1-0 victory over Barcelona.
Team News:
Real Sociedad are likely to line up in a 4-1-4-1 formation against Ajax. Alex Remiro will be in goal for the home team and will have Jon Aramburu, Igor Zubeldia, Nayef Aguerd and Javi Lopez in front of him in defence. Martín Zubimendi will be deployed in holding midfield. Takefusa Kubo, Sergio Gomez, Luka Sucic and Ander Barrenetxea will be the four attacking midfielders. Mikel Oyarzabal will lead the line for Sociedad.
Ajax
Ajax are one of the biggest clubs in the world and have lofty ambitions. They are aiming to win the Eredivisie title in the Netherlands as well as clinch the UEFA Europa League. And things are going pretty well for them at the moment.
Francesco Farioli’s side are third in the Eredivisie table at the moment. Ajax have picked up 29 points from 12 matches. They are seven points behind leaders PSV, who have played a game more. De Godenzonen are second in the League Stage of the UEFA Europa League table right now with 10 points from four matches, just two points behind leaders Lazio.
Ajax will head into the UEFA Europa League match against Real Sociedad in Spain on the back of a 2-0 victory over PEC Zwolle at the Johan Cruyff Arena. It came after a 2-2 draw with FC Twente on the road in the league which followed a 5-0 hammering of Maccabi Tel-Aviv in Amsterdam in the UEFA Europa League.
Team News:
Ajax are likely to line up in a 4-3-3 formation against Real Sociedad. Remko Pasveer will be in goal for the visiting team. Devyne Rensch, Josip Sutalo, Youri Baas and Jorrel Hato will be the four defenders. Steven Berghuis, Jordan Henderson and Davy Klaassen are likely to be the three midfielders. Bertrand Traore, Brian Brobbey and Kenneth Taylor will be the three forwards.
Key Factors to Consider
- Kenneth Taylor has scored 3 goals and given 1 assist in 4 UEFA Europa League League Stage games for Ajax this season.
- Mika Godts has scored 3 goals and provided 1 assist in 4 UEFA Europa League League Stage games for Ajax this season.
- Real Sociedad have lost 2 of their last 3 UEFA Europa League League Stage matches.
- Real Sociedad have scored 5 goals in 4 UEFA Europa League League Stage games.
- Ajax have conceded 1 goal in 4 UEFA Europa League League Stage games.
Conclusion
Real Sociedad are struggling in the UEFA Europa League this season, while Ajax are flying. Even though the Dutch club are the visiting team for this particular match, it is very likely that they will pick up all three points from the encounter.
Prediction: Ajax to win 3-1
Best Odds: 45/2