Real Sociedad vs Valencia - La Liga

When Real Sociedad and Valencia clash at the home ground on May 17, 2026, the stakes extend well beyond a single result — this is a La Liga fixture that carries real weight for both clubs. O'Neill made five changes for Celtic's midweek win at St Johnstone as he rested some key players ahead of Sunday's clash.

Both Real Sociedad and Valencia will be eager to build momentum when they meet in La Liga. Real Sociedad have blown hot and cold, LDWWW across their last five and a win rate of 33.33% that leaves room for improvement. It has been a wretched run on the road for the visitors, WLLLW in their last five and a win rate of 16.67% that explains their lowly standing. The contrast in attacking output — 1 versus 0.33 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. Ipswich would be open to permanent offers for the winger, who has three years to run on his contract.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Real Sociedad will look to impose their style on home soil, while Valencia are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. And there are still question marks even in attack, where they have an abundance of supporting forwards including Mbeumo, Cunha and Amad Diallo, but only one out-and-out striker in Sesko.

Neither side is short on individuals capable of tilting the balance, and the duel between the two squads' chief creators could prove particularly pivotal. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. The 23-year-old defensive midfielder has attracted the attention of top clubs like Barcelona, and it seems that Arsenal have now joined the race for him, according to Fussball News.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 1-1 draw feels like a fitting result. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the La Liga standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. And Fonseca does not place too much weight on the decision of Roberto Martinez to omit him from the World Cup squad in favour of his Benfica team-mate Tomas Araujo.