Real Sociedad Vs Alaves

On Wednesday, Real Sociedad will look to secure their second consecutive victory of the season as they host Deportivo Alaves in a Basque derby. Alaves, on the other hand, will be aiming for their first win of the season, having garnered just a single point from their initial two fixtures.

Real Sociedad’s Ambitions and Challenges

Real Sociedad, after a successful campaign last season where they finished in sixth place, are setting their sights on another strong performance this season. Their goal is not only to secure another top-six finish but also to potentially repeat their top-four success from the 2022-23 season. Despite these aspirations, the team has faced some significant setbacks in the offseason.

One of the most notable departures is key defender Robin Le Normand, who has transferred to Atletico Madrid. Additionally, the club is on the verge of losing midfielder Mikel Merino, who is nearing a move to Arsenal. These losses are substantial, given Le Normand's defensive prowess and Merino's midfield contributions.

However, Real Sociedad has managed to retain the services of Martin Zubimendi, who had attracted interest from Liverpool. Zubimendi made his presence felt in their season opener, scoring a late consolation goal in a surprising defeat to Rayo Vallecano.

Following that disappointing start, Imanol Alguacil's side responded positively with a crucial away win against newly-promoted Espanyol. Take Kubo emerged as the hero, coming off the bench to score the decisive goal in the 80th minute, ensuring a 1-0 victory. Real Sociedad will be confident heading into Wednesday's match, particularly given their impressive record against Alaves. They are unbeaten in their last six competitive encounters with Alaves, securing three victories and three draws in those meetings.

Deportivo Alaves’ Season and Challenges

Deportivo Alaves, competing in La Liga for the second consecutive season, are looking to build on their performance from the previous year. Last season, they managed to avoid relegation comfortably and finished 10th, amassing 46 points from 38 matches. This top-half finish was significant as it marked their first in the upper echelons of La Liga since the 2016-17 season.

However, the summer transfer window has brought considerable changes to Alaves, with a significant turnover of players. This upheaval has led to a challenging start to the new season, as indicated by their first two matches, which have yielded only one point.

In their season opener, Alaves narrowly lost 2-1 to Celta Vigo, a match in which they held a slight advantage before conceding defeat. Their second fixture, a home game against Real Betis, ended in a goalless draw. While this result extended their unbeaten home run to five league matches, it did little to boost their overall points tally.

As they prepare to face Real Sociedad, Alaves will be looking to address their early-season issues and secure their first victory against Sociedad since June 2020. Their last away win against Real Sociedad was in December 2018, adding an extra layer of motivation to their quest for success at the Reale Arena.

Key Players and Tactical Considerations

For Real Sociedad, Martin Zubimendi remains a crucial figure. His ability to control the midfield and contribute defensively will be essential, especially in the absence of Mikel Merino. Additionally, Take Kubo's impact as a super-sub could prove pivotal, offering a dynamic attacking option off the bench.

On the other hand, Deportivo Alaves will need their new signings to quickly adapt and fill the void left by departing players. The team's performance will hinge on their ability to blend the new additions with the existing squad, aiming to recapture the form that saw them achieve a top-half finish last season.

In terms of tactics, Real Sociedad is likely to leverage their strong home form and solid defensive record against Alaves. Their previous encounters suggest a well-balanced approach, combining solid defensive organization with swift counter-attacking opportunities. Alaves, meanwhile, will need to improve their offensive output and capitalize on any chances they create to overcome Real Sociedad's defense.

Conclusion

As Real Sociedad prepares to face Deportivo Alaves, the match promises to be an intriguing contest with both teams having distinct motivations. Real Sociedad will aim to build on their positive momentum and solidify their position in the upper echelons of La Liga. Meanwhile, Deportivo Alaves will seek to reverse their early-season struggles and secure a crucial win to kickstart their campaign.

With Real Sociedad's impressive record against Alaves and their recent positive performances, they will be confident heading into this fixture. However, Alaves' determination to break their winless streak against Sociedad and prove their mettle will make for an exciting and competitive match.