Valencia CF vs Real Sociedad

Valencia host Real Sociedad at the Mestalla on 20 September with the home side in crisis. They sit bottom of La Liga with a single point from five games, their worst start in years, and pressure on the coach is mounting. Real Sociedad arrive in calmer waters, ninth in the table, looking to exploit their hosts' struggles. Valencia have lost four of their last five, including a 0-5 defeat to Barcelona, with goals in short supply. Real Sociedad have been streakier, following a heavy loss at Real Madrid with wins over Espanyol and Elche. Much rests on Mikel Oyarzabal, last season's top scorer, while Takefusa Kubo offers pace on the counter. The teams are historically even, level at 14 wins apiece in 40 meetings, though Real Sociedad have the edge of late. With Valencia desperate to end their winless run and Real Sociedad juggling league and European commitments, expect a tense, cagey contest rather than a rout. Our prediction: 1-1