Real Sociedad, now under the management of Imanol Alguacil following a change of coach (Eusebio), are ending their La Liga campaign on a high, despite suffering a few slips along the way, such as that seen at their visit to La Rosaleda, losing 2-0 against the now relegated Málaga side. They are a high scoring team (63), however, they have scored just 19 goals away from home soil, and in six away games haven't been able to find the back of the net. Under the management of Alguacil, they have lost just one home game, equating to four victories and one draw in six matches.
An opponent that packs a punch: between 4 players 40 goals have been scored: despite only 19 being scored away from home and 55 goals conceded
Though only two other teams have outscored them in La Liga, they've also conceded their fair share (55); one more than Sevilla (54). The side find the goal with ease, boasting 9 players to have scored. Their four biggest threats are Willians José (14), Oyarzabal (11), Juanmi (8) and Illarramendi (7); 40 goals between the four. Willians José and Oyarzabal also boast an impressive 8 assists between the duo (3 and 5). Between Xabi Prieto, Canales, el belga Januzaj, Elustondo and Llorente, 15 goals have been bagged, 3 each. But there are cracks in this seemingly solid front with the side having conceded almost just as many goals at home (27) as away (28). The team come off the back of a derby win against Athletic Club (3-1).
The Basque side sit just two points behind Sevilla (48-46); making a win vital for the Sevillistas to secure a five point lead
Of the two sides' last 6 encounters in La Liga, there have been 4 wins for the Basque side and one draw, not forgetting Sevilla's 0-4 victory at the Anoeta Stadium just over a year ago with three goals from Ben Yedder and one from Sarabia. Referring to the more recent league matches in Nervión, Sevilla have seen 4 wins with Real Sociedad bagging just 2. The opponents have drawn twice, the most recent ending with a 1-1 scoreline in May 2017 with goals from Sarabia and Carlos Vela. It should be highlighted that the Mexican striker - who bid his farewell last December at the Anoeta against Sevilla - scored a 90th minute goal, seeing his side to a 3-1 win. It was the player's only La Liga goal, and likewise the only goals from Zubeldía (up until now) and Íñigo Martínez, who left the side three months ago to sign with Athletic Club.
This Friday, Sevillistas and Donostiarras come to heads with very contrasting runs. Of 21 points to have picked up in seven games, the hosts have just three compared to the Basques' thirteen. It's pushed the visitors to sit just two points back of Sevilla in the race for European football - a distance the Nervionenses will be eager to extend, looking upwards to 7th, 6th and 5th place. To do so, Joquín Caparros will need to reignite the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán and reclaim it as the fortress it has so often been. A lot riding on an exciting night of football in Seville.