Real Sociedad, after a slow start to the season, has been working hard to improve across various areas. In the Europa League, they initially struggled with a 1-1 draw against Nice and a 1-2 loss to Anderlecht.
However, the team soon found their rhythm, securing two victories in their next three games, defeating Maccabi Tel Aviv 1-2, Viktoria Plzen 2-1, and Ajax Amsterdam most recently. These results have moved them up to 16th place in the standings, just three points behind the top eight.
In La Liga, they’ve also been in solid form, winning three of their last four matches, including victories over Sevilla (0-2), Barcelona (1-0), and Bilbao (1-0), plus a 2-0 win over Betis. They will face Leganes away next weekend.
Dynamo Kyiv, on the other hand, has had a rough time in the Europa League, failing to secure a win in any of their group-stage matches. Losses to Lazio (0-3), Hoffenheim (2-0), Roma (1-0), Ferencvaros (0-4), and Viktoria Plzen (1-2) have left them at the bottom of the standings with little hope of qualifying.
However, their form domestically has been stronger, as they currently sit at the top of the Ukrainian league despite two recent draws against Kolos Kovalivka (1-1) and Oleksandria (0-0). They will play Oleksandria again next weekend.
For their match in San Sebastián, Dynamo Kyiv is expected to be without several key players, including Colombian defender Bryan Ceballos, midfielder Pikhalionok (who has scored two league goals), and long-term absentee Shepeliev. Croatian midfielder Sucic, who was ill last week, is expected to be available, as is former Rennes defender Aguerd.
Other players who will miss the match include Amari Traoré, Zakharyan, Elustondo, and Icelandic international Oskarksson. Sociedad will look to their captain Mikel Oyarzabal, who has scored three goals in La Liga, and Japanese winger Kubo, who netted his first Europa League goal in their last match.
Dynamo Kyiv will also be without star player Yarmolenko (three goals), but midfielder Kabaiev, who is the only player to have scored in the Europa League this season, may feature alongside Ukrainian international Shaparenko (three goals) and striker Vanat (seven goals). Defender Dubinchak will return from suspension.
Prediction
Real Sociedad is in strong form and should secure a victory, particularly given their excellent home record, having won 10 of their last 13 home games in the top flight. Dynamo Kyiv’s poor away form, with just two wins in their last 13 games, makes it unlikely they will cause an upset.
Prediction: Real Sociedad 2-0 Dynamo Kyiv
