Real Sociedad/Real Madrid

Real Madrid ML (-150)

I currently have a love-hate relationship with Real Madrid because every time I bet on them they seem to put on a stinker, but I hope that changes on Saturday. Despite not having Bellingham and Tchouameni due to injuries I still think this team can get the job done.

Madrid is expected to start Courtois in goal, Carvajal, Militao, Ruddier, and Mendy at the back, Valverde and Madrid in the midfield, and Rodrigo, Guler, Vine and Mbappe in the attack. I have heard that Mbappe will take more of a midfield role with the absence of Jude, which I am super excited about. If you watched the first few games, Mbappe and Vini are having a hard time staying sway from the left side of the field because naturally, that is where they both play. With Mbappe playing more central I think this will open up the pitch and allow both players to find some room to make some plays.

The start to this year’s La Liga season hasn’t been too friendly to Real Sociedad. Losing to Rayo Vallecano 1-2, beating Espanyol 1-0, losing to Alaves 1-2, and drawing to Getafe 0-0. They now get to face the likes of Real Madrid in the first game back in two weeks. Sure they are at home and this Madrid team isn’t 100% fit, but they are still arguably the best team in the world and Sociedad will have their hands full.

It is difficult trying to handicap a game when you don’t know which Madrid team will show up. Will it be the team that won the Champions League and now has Mbappe in the attack or will it be the team against Girona that couldn’t hold formation? Regardless of what team shows up I still believe that Madrid will get this done on the road. They beat Real Sociedad in both matches last season, winning 2-1 in the first leg and 1-0 in the second leg.

Mbappe falls in nicely to his midfield role, while Vini, Rodrygo, and Guler control the front. Madrid win 2-0. GL.