Preview: Almeria vs. Real Sociedad - prediction, team news, lineups

The away side are currently third in the table, boasting 29 points from their opening 15 matches of the season, while Almeria are 13th, having collected 17 points from their first 15 matches of 2022-23.

Match preview

Almeria secured a return to La Liga for the first time since 2015 last season when they won the Segunda Division, and it has been an encouraging start to the campaign for the promoted outfit.

Indeed, Rojiblancos have won five, drawn two and lost eight of their 15 league matches this season to collect 17 points, which has left them in 13th position in the table, five points clear of the relegation zone.

Almeria were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Arenteiro on November 13, so they have not been in action since drawing 1-1 with Cadiz in La Liga on December 30.

Rubi's side have been victorious in two of their last four La Liga matches, and their home form has been particularly impressive this season, picking up 15 points from seven matches courtesy of five wins.

This will be the first time that Almeria and Real Sociedad have met in Spain's top flight since February 2015, when the points were shared in a 2-2 draw, and Almeria are unbeaten in their last three La Liga matches with their opponents this weekend.

Real Sociedad, meanwhile, have been in impressive form this season, picking up 29 points from their 15 matches, which has left them in third position in the table.

The Basque outfit are two points clear of fourth-placed Atletico Madrid and four ahead of fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao, and they have won their last two in the league against Sevilla and Osasuna.

The White and Blues were in Copa del Rey action against Logrones on Wednesday, booking their spot in the last-16 stage of the competition courtesy of a 1-0 win, with Robert Navarro netting the only goal of the game.

Imanol Alguacil's side have also qualified for the knockout round of the Europa League, finishing above Manchester United in Group E to secure an automatic spot in the next stage of the European competition.

Real Sociedad have finished sixth, fifth and sixth in their last three La Liga seasons, but they have not been in the top four since 2012-13, while the club have not been higher than fourth since claiming second in 2002-03.

Almeria La Liga form:

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L

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D

Real Sociedad La Liga form:

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D

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Real Sociedad form (all competitions):

D

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Team News

Almeria could have a full squad for this match, as Rodrigo Ely has served the suspension that ruled him out of the 1-1 draw with Cadiz last time out.

Ely is expected to return to the middle of the defence, but it could otherwise be the same side that took to the field for the first whistle against Cadiz.

Leo Baptistao and Largie Ramazani are set to feature in the wide areas for the home side, while El Bilal Toure, who has three league goals this season, should again lead the line.

As for Real Sociedad, Alex Sola, Carlos Fernandez, Martin Merquelanz, Ander Barrenetxea and Umar Sadiq are again expected to miss out through injury.

Brais Mendez is also suspended following his yellow card against Osasuna, but Mikel Merino will be available, having served a ban in the team's last league match.

Mikel Oyarzabal featured for the first time in 289 days against Osasuna, with the attacker recovering from a serious knee injury, but he will not yet be considered for a start.

There will be changes from the side that started in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, with Diego Rico, Martin Zubimendi, David Silva and Aritz Elustondo all expected to return.

Almeria possible starting lineup:

Martinez; Pozo, Ely, Babic, Akieme; Baptistao, Robertone, De la Hoz, Melero, Ramazani; Toure

Real Sociedad possible starting lineup:

Remiro; Elustondo, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Rico; Kubo, Zubimendi, Merino, D Silva; Sorloth, Cho

We say: Almeria 1-2 Real Sociedad

Almeria's home record this season is excellent, and it is difficult to ignore it when picking a result here. Real Sociedad have won five of their seven games on their travels, though, and we are backing the visitors to navigate their way to what would be an important three points.

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