Sevilla step onto the pitch in 18th place, facing immense pressure to secure points and drag themselves out of the relegation zone. Real Sociedad sit just outside the European spots in eighth, setting up a fixture where a draw does very little for either side.

Real Sociedad have completely lost their defensive shape on their travels, conceding exactly three goals in each of their last three away league fixtures. They have now allowed 27 goals in 16 road matches, a glaring weakness for a team chasing a top-six finish.

The hosts have shown they can drag big teams into tight battles at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, recently defeating Atlético Madrid 2-1. Yet their inability to shut opponents out remains a massive hurdle, as they have allowed 55 goals this season with only five clean sheets to their name.

Real Sociedad's forward line remains dangerous with Mikel Oyarzabal and Takefusa Kubo, but the absence of key center-back Igor Zubeldia creates a noticeable gap at the back. Sevilla will push to exploit this missing depth, even though they have to manage the midfield without the suspended Djibril Sow.

The statistical baseline firmly supports an open contest, with both sides seeing high goal averages in their respective home and away splits. Sevilla’s absolute need for three points will force them forward, which should perfectly expose Real Sociedad’s recent inability to keep clean sheets on the road.