REAL SOCIEDAD v SEVILLA
Football : Spain : Primera
Saturday, 8th January 2011

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Two wins in a row has relieved the pressure on not-so-new-anymore Sevilla coach Gregorio Manzano. But a slender home win over an Osasuna lacking in any ambition and a Copa Del Rey win at Malaga does not mean the Andalusians are worth backing as they head to Fortress Anoeta.

Despite opening the season with two of the three away wins that make Sevilla's away record look respectable, Sevilla have been poor travellers for a long time and this year looks no different. And this particular Sevilla vintage are worse than previous years, there is something eminently broken about them, they have none of the energy or fluidity that made them one of the most exciting teams in Europe two years or so ago.

Even given the excuse of a long injury list, Sevilla look tired and laboured, and Manzano looks as confused as the rest of us by it all. Under the new man they have only managed to beat bottom club Zaragoza away from home, and they've lost 5 of the last 6 away matches.

Real Sociedad, on the other hand, have adapted wonderfully to life back in the Primera. A stunning home record brought Martin Lasartes side up, and that home record has continued unfettered by the jump in standard. They've lost three at home, but these were against Real Madrid, Atletico and Valencia. No shame there. And Real Sociedad only lost to Madrid and Valencia by the odd goal.

In many ways Real Sociedad are starting to look the side that Sevilla once were. At home, their intensity and energy makes for a torrid time for their visitors. Villareal lost here, and they are a much better side than Sevilla.

Sociedad have scored in all 8 home games this season, and have kept 5 clean sheets. Sevilla have only scored in 3 of their 8 away games, and havent kept a single clean sheet.

The Betting Verdict :

So all that said, Sevilla should be favourites right? Wrong. Sevilla are priced up as favourites at 6/4. A price that can only be based on reputation.

Back Sociedad.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Real Sociedad 1 Sevilla 0

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Real Sociedad to win at 3.13 at Pinnacle Sports