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

On Wednesday, Real Sociedad will attempt to claim a second straight win when they play host to fellow Basque side Alaves.

Meanwhile, the visitors are searching for their first victory of the season after taking just one point from their opening two games.

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Match preview

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After finishing in sixth place last season, Real Sociedad will be targeting another top-six finish this season, while they may also have aspirations of repeating their top-four finish from the 2022-23 season.

Unfortunately for La Real, they have lost the services of key defender Robin Le Normand to Atletico Madrid, and are set to bid farewell to Mikel Merino, with the midfielder on the brink of completing a move to Arsenal.

They have at least managed to retain the services of Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi, who scored a late consolation in Real Sociedad's surprise opening-day defeat to Rayo Vallecano.

After getting off to a disappointing start, Imanol Alguacil's side managed to produce a positive response in Saturday's away game against newly-promoted Espanyol, with Take Kubo coming off the bench to score an 80th-minute winner.

Real Sociedad will fancy their chances of adding to their points tally on Wednesday, having avoided defeat in their previous six competitive meetings with Alaves (W3, D3).

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Alaves are competing in La Liga for a second straight season after steering well clear of a relegation fight last term.

Luis Garcia's side collected 46 points from 38 matches to finish in 10th place, representing their first top-half finish in La Liga in 2016-17.

Alaves have seen a significant turnover in players over the summer and the early signs suggest they may struggle to match the heights of last season, with their first two matches yielding a solitary point.

El Glorioso gave a slender advantage to fall to a 2-1 defeat in their league opener against Celta Vigo, before they played out a goalless draw in Sunday's home meeting with Real Betis - a result that did extend their unbeaten home run to five league matches.

Alaves will now turn their focus to a trip to the Reale Arena, with the visitors looking to claim their first win against Real Sociedad since June 2020 and their first head-to-head away victory since December 2018.

Real Sociedad La Liga form:

Alaves La Liga form:

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Team News

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Real Sociedad remain without the services of Arsen Zakharyan, while Ander Barrenetxea is a doubt after he sat out Saturday's win due to an injury issue.

Aritz Elustondo and Jon Pacheco failed to make it through the win against Espanyol unscathed, and they could miss the midweek fixture with knee and ankle injuries respectively.

Kubo dropped to the bench at the weekend, but he could be rewarded with a recall after making a significant impact from the bench.

Meanwhile, the visitors will be forced into at least one change, with Sedlar suspended following his late red card against Real Betis.

Sedlar's absence is likely to open the door for Moussa Diarra to line up in central defence alongside Abdel Abqar.

Luis Garcia could be tempted to freshen up his side with the introduction of Hugo Novao, Carlos Benavidez, Luka Romero and Jon Guridi.

Real Sociedad possible starting lineup:
Remiro; Traore, Zubeldia, Martin, Lopez; Kubo, Zubimendi, Turrientes, Mendez; Oyarzabal, Becker

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We say: Real Sociedad X-Y Alaves

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