Real Sociedad vs Dyn. Kyiv Prediction: 12/12/2024

Real Sociedad, after a rocky start to their season, is striving to improve in all areas. In the Europa League, the San Sebastián club initially drew 1-1 with Nice and lost 1-2 to Anderlecht. However, they bounced back with two victories in the next three games, defeating Maccabi Tel Aviv 1-2, Viktoria Plzen 2-1, and Ajax Amsterdam in the most recent match. This has helped them rise to 16th in the standings, just three points behind the top eight. In La Liga, Sociedad has also been in solid form, securing three wins in their last four matches, including victories over Sevilla 0-2, Barcelona 1-0, and Bilbao 1-0, as well as a 2-0 win against Betis. Next weekend, they will face Leganes away.

On the other hand, Dynamo Kyiv is struggling in the Europa League, performing far below expectations. The Ukrainian side has lost all five of their group-stage matches, including defeats to Lazio (0-3), Hoffenheim (2-0), Roma (1-0), Ferencvaros (0-4), and Viktoria Plzen (1-2). As a result, Dynamo Kyiv is at the bottom of the standings, with little hope for qualification. This is a stark contrast to their domestic league form, where they currently sit in first place despite two recent draws against Kolos Kovalivka (1-1) and Oleksandria (0-0). They will face Oleksandria again next weekend.

Dynamo Kyiv will likely be without several key players for their trip to San Sebastián, including Colombian defender Bryan Ceballos, midfielder Pikhalionok (who has scored two league goals), and long-term absentee Shepeliev. Croatian midfielder Sucic, who was sick last week, should be available, as could former Rennes defender Aguerd. Other players sidelined are Amari Traoré, Zakharyan, Elustondo, and Icelandic international Oskarksson. Sociedad will rely on captain Mikel Oyarzabal, who has scored three La Liga goals, and Japanese winger Kubo, who netted his first goal in the Europa League last time out.

Dynamo Kyiv will also miss star player Yarmolenko (three goals), while midfielder Kabaiev, the team’s only scorer in the Europa League this season, could feature alongside Ukrainian international Shaparenko (three goals) and striker Vanat (seven goals). Defender Dubinchak returns from suspension.

Prediction

Real Sociedad is in strong form and should be able to secure a win, especially with their excellent home record, having won 10 of their last 13 top-flight home matches. In contrast, Dynamo Kyiv’s poor away form, with just two wins in 13 games, makes them unlikely to cause an upset.

Prediction: Real Sociedad 2 : 0 Dynamo Kyiv