Football Season Guide

After a 10-year absence, Real Sociedad secured a return to the Champions League by finishing fourth last season. They were inside the top four from November onwards, and deservedly took that ticket to UEFA’s top competition. Real Sociedad once again had many injuries and seemed fatigued towards the end, something that happens with them almost every season. But, the World Cup break seemed to suit them well as they only had one member of the squad away in Qatar. Looking ahead to this season, there won’t be a mid-season breather, so Real Sociedad will have to address their injury and fatigue issues if they’re to finish in the top four again. They’ll hope that forwards Mikel Oyarzabal and Umar Sadiq can progress well following their respective long-term injuries, especially after losing top scorer Alexander Sorloth in the off-season. It’s in attack where they have struggled, as they don’t finish as many chances as they should. Last season, they scored 11.6 goals fewer than their xG predicted. In defence, however, they are solid and posted the third-best defensive record last season, letting in just 35 goals thanks to the formidable defensive partnership of Robin Le Normand and Igor Zubeldia, with Martin Zubimendi shielding them. This is a great squad, with a great coach in Imanol Alguacil. If they can avoid fatigue and injuries, which is easier said than done given their Champions League commitments, they could repeat their fourth-placed finish.