Leeds United vs Real Sociedad preview & prediction

Match preview

Leeds United will continue their preparations for their return to Premier League action after Christmas with another friendly against Real Sociedad on Friday.

Jesse Marsch’s team recently defeated Elche in Spain, and they will now return to Elland Road for back-to-back games against European opponents before facing Manchester City in late December.

Leeds United entered the World Cup in the midst of a battle at the bottom of the Premier League table, having narrowly avoided relegation last season, with the Yorkshire club just two points above the drop zone.

Marsch’s men should be in good spirits after improving to 15th in the English Premier League, and they come into Friday’s game off the back of a 2-1 win over Elche last Thursday, with Joe Gelhardt and Mateusz Klich scoring, and are now tasked with building further momentum ahead of their return to league action.

They host Real Sociedad, who are back in competitive action much sooner after their layoff, with a Copa del Rey tie looming next week after Friday’s game and a friendly draw with Rayo Vallecano last Saturday.

Despite struggling for form in their final few games before the World Cup, Imanol Alguacil’s side had a strong start to the Spanish league season, finishing third with 22 points from their first ten games before suffering disappointing back-to-back defeats at the hands of Real Valladolid and Real Betis.

Key stats

This is the first time Leeds United are facing Real Sociedad in a friendly game.
Spain international Rodrigo Moreno has scored nine league goals in 12 starts for Leeds United this season.
Dutch youngster Crysencio Summerville has scored four goals in four starts for Leeds United in the league.
Spain international Brais Mendez has scored six La Liga goals this season for Real Sociedad.
Norwegian striker Alexander Sorloth has scored four in the league for Real Sociedad so far

Leeds United vs Real Sociedad prediction

On Friday, we expect both teams to field relatively strong starting lineups, and we anticipate a close match between two talented squads.

Real Sociedad have shown their quality both domestically and on the continental stage this season, and we believe they will come out on top in their trip to England. Hence we go with the following pickings in this fixture: