Real Sociedad v Ajax – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Real Sociedad host Ajax Amsterdam in the Europa League on Thursday night. The Dutch giants remain unbeaten in this competition, with three wins and a draw, while the hosts sit 25th in the League Stage table with just four points.

Real Sociedad Form

Real Sociedad endured a difficult start to the season, managing just two wins in their first 11 matches. However, their form has improved significantly, with 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 continued with a 2-0 loss to Osasuna.

They made it three consecutive away wins with a 2-0 victory at Sevilla, only to lose 2-1 at Viktoria Plzen in Europe. Their inconsistency was on display as they registered 19 shots and 2.02 xG in a 1-0 home win over Barcelona in La Liga. They followed that up with a 5-0 Copa del Rey victory against lower-league Jove Espanyol but suffered a lackluster 1-0 loss at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

Real Sociedad Team News

Coach Imanol Alguacil remains without right-back Álvaro Odriozola and central midfielder Urko González. Additionally, right-back Hamari Traoré is out for the season following knee surgery.

Promising young striker Orri Oskarsson is doubtful after sustaining an injury while on international duty with Iceland. Mikel Oyarzabal, the team’s focal point in attack, has only managed two goals this season but will be key in this fixture.

Real Sociedad Motivation

Real Sociedad desperately need a win to break into the top 24 spots, which qualify for the next stage of the competition.

While they favor a possession-based approach, their victory over Barcelona came with just 30% possession, so they may adopt a similar strategy against Ajax.

Ajax Form

Ajax have enjoyed a strong season, rebounding impressively from last season’s struggles. In 21 matches across all competitions, they have lost just once. They opened 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.

The Dutch side has recorded several notable results recently. A 2-0 league win at Feyenoord was followed by a thrilling 3-2 home victory over runaway Eredivisie leaders PSV. They maintained their scoring momentum with a 5-0 home win against Maccabi Tel Aviv before drawing 2-2 at FC Twente. On Sunday, they secured a comfortable 2-0 home win over PEC Zwolle.

Ajax Team News

Coach Francesco Farioli is likely to recall Chuba Akpom and Wout Weghorst to the attack after both came off the bench in their last match. However, Ajax have four injury concerns to address.

Young striker Julian Rijkhoff, center-back Gastón Ávila, and Norwegian midfielder Sivert Heggheim Mannsverk all face late fitness tests. Promising young wingers Amourricho van Axel Dongen and Mika Godts are also doubtful.

Ajax Motivation

Ajax are in a strong position in Europe and would view a draw as a positive result in this fixture.

Their upcoming domestic match against NEC Nijmegen is unlikely to distract the squad, allowing them to focus fully on their trip to Spain.

Key Stats

Real Sociedad: Have five wins and three losses in their last eight matches.

Sociedad: Have lost six of 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 backing 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.