Real Sociedad building momentum

Real Sociedad welcome Atletico Madrid to Anoeta after responding strongly to a difficult start to the new La Liga season.
Pellegrino Matarazzo’s side lost their opening two league matches, but have since collected seven points from their last three.
Victories over Espanyol and Elche came either side of a goalless draw against Celta Vigo, leaving Sociedad level on seven points with Atletico heading into Sunday’s clash.
Mikel Oyarzabal should once again be central to their attacking plans as the hosts look to extend their unbeaten run.

Atletico need a response

Atletico Madrid started their league campaign strongly, collecting seven points from their opening three matches, but their momentum has disappeared over the last week.
Diego Simeone’s side suffered a 3-0 defeat against Athletic Bilbao before losing 2-1 against Liverpool in the Champions League.
Two consecutive defeats in all competitions means Atletico arrive at Anoeta needing a response.
Julian Alvarez and Alex Baena provide plenty of attacking quality, but Atletico must rediscover the defensive stability normally associated with Simeone’s teams.

Recent leauge history favours Atletico

Real Sociedad’s improving form will be tested by an opponent they have struggled to beat in La Liga.
Atletico have not lost a league meeting against Sociedad since September 2019.
However, the corresponding fixture at Anoeta last season finished 1-1, showing that Sociedad are capable of making life difficult for Simeone’s side.
The teams also met in last season’s Copa del Rey final, where Sociedad defeated Atletico on penalties.

Team news

Real Sociedad will be without Jon Martin following his red card against Elche.

Alvaro Odriozola and Igor Zubeldia are also unavailable, leaving the hosts with several defensive absences.

Atletico will be without Pablo Barrios because of a muscular injury.

Alexander Sorloth is also a doubt with a muscular problem and will need to be assessed ahead of the game.

Verdict

Atletico enter the match as favourites, but an away victory looks far from straightforward.

Real Sociedad have taken seven points from their last three league matches and should arrive with growing confidence.

Atletico possess considerable attacking quality and will be determined to respond after consecutive defeats, but their recent defensive performances provide Sociedad with encouragement.

The hosts have enough attacking threat to cause Atletico problems at Anoeta, while Simeone’s side should also create opportunities against a Sociedad defence missing several players.

With neither side particularly convincing defensively and both possessing dangerous attacking options, the goals market looks more attractive than choosing a winner.

Tip

Both Teams to Score