Real Sociedad get the 2020-21 La Liga campaign underway on Sunday afternoon with a trip to Estadio Jose Zorrilla to face Real Valladolid.
While the visitors finished in sixth place in last season's standings, their hosts claimed 13th position, six points above the relegation zone.
Match preview
Despite their eventual finishing position proving enough to earn Europa League football, Real Sociedad did not always impress during the closing weeks of last season.
Four successive defeats in June effectively put paid to their hopes of qualification for the Champions League, with nine points from their remaining half-a-dozen fixtures being required to ensure that their previous hard work did not go to waste.
While minimal transfer activity has taken place at Anoeta, boss Imanol Alguacil has been forced to replace star man Martin Odegaard, who has returned to Real Madrid, with veteran David Silva.
As it stands, it remains to be seen whether that will benefit or hinder a club who have ambitions to establish themselves in the top six on a regular basis.
Nevertheless, the acquisition of Silva is regarded as a considerable coup, and the 34-year-old's experience may prove key in what will likely prove to be another competitive race for the European spots.
Valladolid, on the other hand, will be content with consolidation over any significant surge up the standings after finishing comfortably above the relegation zone last season.
However, only nine victories were recorded from their 38 matches in La Liga, the last of which came on the final day of the campaign after three successive defeats.
While everyone associated with the club would have been delighted with an improvement of three places in comparison to their 2018-19 effort, there were small margins for error during the run-in.
Valladolid must also do without key defender Mohammed Salisu, whose form has earned him a transfer to Southampton.
Real Valladolid form (pre-season friendlies): LWL
Real Sociedad form (pre-season friendlies): WDLDW
Team News
As a result of positive coronavirus cases, Sociedad are missing several of their key players.
Mikel Oyarzabal, Silva and Willian Jose are all on the sidelines, while Joseba Zaldua is doubtful through injury.
Meanwhile, Valladolid are expected to hand a debut to Fabian Orellana after his switch from Eibar.
With Kiko Olivas sidelined through injury, Joaquin Fernandez and Javi Sanchez should form a new central-defensive partnership.
Real Valladolid possible starting lineup:
Masip; Moyano, Sanchez, Fernandez, Nacho; Orellana, Emeterio, Alcarez, Villa; Guardiola, Plano
Real Sociedad possible starting lineup:
Rmeiro; Gorosabel, Elustondo, Llorente, Munoz; Lopez, Zubeldia, Merino; Portu, Isak, Barrenetxea
We say: Real Valladolid 1-2 Real Sociedad
With Sociedad having to adapt to life without Odegaard, this game could be closer than many may have initially anticipated. However, eager to hit back after a disappointing end to last season, we feel that Sociedad will edge out their hosts by the odd goal in three.
Top betting tip
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