Real Sociedad vs Valencia Prediction & Betting Tips (17 May)

Real Sociedad welcome Valencia to Anoeta in a clash that feels more about momentum than table position, with the hosts sitting mid‑pack after an inconsistent spring. In the last few weeks they have been involved in high‑tempo, open games, including the dramatic draw against Betis, where they had to settle for a 2-2 despite periods of dominance. Earlier, their defensive frailties were exposed again in Vallecas in another wild contest that finished 3-3, underlining how often their matches tilt into shootouts rather than controlled wins.

Off the pitch, Real Sociedad have made headlines by moving to bring Carlos Soler back to LaLiga from PSG, a deal that underlines their intent to refresh the midfield with more creativity and leadership. At the same time, they have had to juggle selection issues, with players like Jon Karrikaburu, Igor Zubeldia and Álvaro Odriozola dealing with injuries in recent weeks. Even so, the attacking core built around Mikel Oyarzabal, Takefusa Kubo and Gonçalo Guedes continues to generate chances, which is why they remain dangerous even when the overall form line shows more draws than wins.

Valencia arrive with a slightly steadier recent run, mixing narrow defeats with gritty, low‑margin victories that fit Rubén Baraja’s pragmatic approach. Their most eye‑catching result in the last fortnight was the away win in the Basque Country against Athletic Club, a disciplined performance capped by a clinical 0-1 scoreline. At Mestalla they have been more up‑and‑down, slipping to a 0-2 defeat against Atlético Madrid but also edging Girona in a tight contest, with Hugo Duro continuing to shoulder much of the goal‑scoring responsibility.

In the broader context of the last two months, Valencia’s mixed form and Real Sociedad’s chaotic, high‑scoring games suggest a contest where control swings back and forth rather than one side cruising. Real Sociedad’s home record still carries weight, and the potential arrival of Soler has lifted the mood around the club, even if he is not yet on the pitch. Valencia’s injury list, including Thierry Correia, José Copete and Dimitri Foulquier, slightly thins their options at the back. Balancing all of that, this feels like the kind of evening where the hosts edge a lively encounter by a 2 : 1 scoreline.

• Summary: Real Sociedad played against Valencia in 1 matches this season. Currently, Real Sociedad rank 8th, while Valencia hold 13th position. Looking to compare the best-rated player on both teams? Sofascore's rating system assigns each player a specific rating based on numerous data factors.
• Real Sociedad Feedinco Rating: 6.78
• Valencia Feedinco Rating: 6.75