Thursday 31/07/2014, 20:30, Europa League Qualifiers, Real Sociedad vs Aberdeen

Real Sociedad vs Aberdeen Preview

Real Sociedad was on the verge of securing a Champions League berth last year, but they suffered a late-season meltdown. Now they will have to settle for the Europa League groups, but before they get there, they need to outshine Aberdeen in the qualifiers. The Scottish side has already sent a better opponent home, by winning on the road at Groningen after a scoreless draw in Scotland.

Real Sociedad vs Aberdeen Odds

At Bet-at-home

Real Sociedad 1.20, Draw 7.25, Aberdeen 12.00

Real Sociedad vs Aberdeen Tips

The Spanish side used to be a force to be reckoned with, when they had the support of their own fans, but even failed to win home games in the final rounds of Primera Division. The European adventure was short lived in 2013, with Real Sociedad losing the vast majority of games in the Champions League groups and suffering an untimely elimination.

This is only a distant memory for the Spaniards and there is very little motivation for them to give everything they've got to make the groups of Europa League. All three friendly games played this month were against Dutch teams and the results were rather disappointing, with Real Sociedad winning just once, against the mediocre Nijmegen.

They scored one goal in each of those encounters and with Aberdeen likely to field a defensive minded formation, Real Sociedad will have a hard time finding their way to the goal. The 1-2 defeat suffered by Groningen one week ago should serve as a cautionary tale for those who would be tempted to underestimate the Scottish side.

McGinn and Rooney were preferred by McInnes upfront and his decision proved to be an inspired one, since these two guys scored both goals against Groningen. Even though the visitors are making their top priority not to allow a goal on the road, it is very likely that both of them will play tonight.

Key Facts

• Aberdeen is undefeated in the last eight games and won five times over the span.
• Real Sociedad won a single game in the last six matches, including three Primera Division rounds

Real Sociedad vs Aberdeen Prediction

Home pitch advantage is important, but not significant enough to warrant a bet on Real Sociedad to cover the -1.5 goals spread at odds below even value. In fact, punters are recommended to do the exact opposite, more precisely to bet on Aberdeen not to lose by two goals or more at 2.10 with Bet-at-home.

Bet: Aberdeen +1.5 goals @ 2.10 with Bet-at-home