Preview: Eldense vs Real Sociedad – predictions, team news, lineups

Real Sociedad will look to begin a turnaround in fortunes when they face Eldense in the Copa del Rey round of 16 on Tuesday evening.

At a time when the visitors occupy 15th position in the ranking La Liga tableEldense are seventh in the Primera Federation – Group 2, which is the third tier of Spanish football.

Match Preview

When Real Sociedad promoted Sergio Francisco to head coach this summer, they had high hopes that the continuity behind the scenes would provide the stability that would keep them in contention for European qualification in the long term.

Instead, the 46-year-old was dismissed this weekend after just 18 matches, with the club sitting just one point above the relegation zone.

The decision to sack Francisco came after a 2-1 home defeat to relegation rivals Girona, a setback which followed the previous 1-0 defeat at Alaves.

To Francisco’s credit, he has lost just three of his last 11 games, but it was the three-game losing streak in La Liga that forced the hand of the Real Sociedad leaders.

Real Sociedad last won a match against an elite team and without being reduced to 10 men on November 1.

Victories – 3-0 and 2-0 respectively – were recorded at SD Negreira and Reus FCR to reach this stage of the competition.

Meanwhile, Eldense are one of six teams from the third tier of Spanish football or below to progress this far in the Copa del Rey.

They did so by beating fourth division Jaen 3-1 away, before surprising second division Almeira by a 2-1 scoreline in the previous round, overturning a half-time deficit.

Eldense – now with Claudio Barragan as head coach – have suffered just one defeat in 11 matches in all competitions and currently sit seventh in the Primera Federation – Group 2 as they bid for an immediate return to the Segunda Division.

Azulgranas are two points from the playoffs after their 1-0 win over lowly Tarazona last time out, strengthening a home record that has produced 17 points from eight league matches.

Eldense Copa del Rey form:

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Eldense form (all competitions):

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Real Sociedad Copa del Rey form:

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Real Sociedad form (all competitions):

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Team News

BORJA Calvo is an option to come into the Eldenze midfield as a replacement for Marcos Bustillo and at halftime against Tarazona.

Although only two Eldense players played the full 180 minutes in the previous two Copa del Rey matches, Barragan is unlikely to change his starting XI for this competition unless there are injury concerns.

Hamza Bellari has two goals and an assist in 150 minutes in the Copa del Rey this season.

With Ion Ansotegi promoted to interim head coach for two games, Real Sociedad’s XI is difficult to predict.

However, Real Sociedad led Girona before the changes and until the 76th minute. The temptation will therefore be to choose a similar camp.

Aside from Jon Karrikaburu replacing Ander Barranetxea and second-choice goalkeeper Unai Marrero starting between the sticks, the rest of the team could remain the same.

Despite his recent return to the team, Croatian international Luka Sucic could be kept in reserve.

Possible Eldense starting lineup:

Villa; Clémente, Smand, Serradell, Ruiz; Molina, Calvo, Quintana; Fidel, Dioni, Bellari

Possible Real Sociedad starting line-up:

Marrero; Aramburu, Martin, Zubeldia, Gomez; Gorroxategi; Kubo, Méndez, Soler, Karrikaburu; Woads

We say: Eldense 1-3 Real Sociedad

While their opponents have a temporary head coach in charge, Eldense will back themselves to cause an upset at the Estadio Municipal Nuevo Pepico Amat. However, we can only encourage the La Liga team to qualify, even if they have to work hard for a place in the round of 16.

For data analysis of most likely outcomes, scores and more for this match, please click here.