7M - Match Preview: Alaves vs Real Sociedad – Team News, Lineups

Deportivo Alaves will host Basque rivals Real Sociedad at the Estadio Mendizorroza on Wednesday evening, with a place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals up for grabs.

Real Sociedad have lifted this trophy twice, most recently in the 2019-20 season, while Alaves have reached the final once, back in 2017.

Match Preview

Alaves' sole Copa del Rey final appearance ended in a 3-1 defeat to Barcelona in the 2016-17 campaign. This season, they are aiming to make history by winning the competition for the first time. Their journey to the quarter-finals has been impressive, with four victories against Deportivo Getxo, Portugalete, Sevilla, and Rayo Vallecano.

They come into this match following a strong 2-1 La Liga win over Espanyol, securing consecutive victories in the top flight. Currently 10th in the league, just three points behind eighth-placed Real Sociedad, this cup tie promises to be a compelling Basque derby.

Real Sociedad, meanwhile, earned a 1-1 draw in the Basque derby against Athletic Bilbao last time out, conceding a late equalizer in the 88th minute. Nevertheless, they are on an eight-match unbeaten run across all competitions since December 12. Sitting eighth in La Liga, six points behind sixth-placed Espanyol, they are pursuing a third Copa del Rey title.

Despite their stature, their overall record in this competition has been mixed, with two wins and four runner-up finishes. Furthermore, they have lost their last three meetings against Alaves, including a 1-0 league defeat this past December.

Form Guide

Alaves Copa del Rey form: W-W-W-W
Alaves form (all competitions): D-L-W-L-W-W

Real Sociedad Copa del Rey form: W-W-W-W
Real Sociedad form (all competitions): D-W-W-W-W-D

Team News

Alaves will be without long-term absentee Nikola Maras (knee), while Denis Suarez (muscle) is also unlikely to feature. The attacking duo of Toni Martinez and Lucas Boye, who performed well against Espanyol, are expected to start again. Changes are anticipated elsewhere, with Yusi likely at left-back, and Jon Guridi and Abde Rebbach in contention to start.

For Real Sociedad, Ander Barrenetxea, Takefusa Kubo, Arsen Zakharyan, Inaki Ruperez, and Unai Marrero are sidelined. Defender Duje Caleta-Car returns from suspension, but Brais Mendez is banned following his red card. Coach Pellegrino Matarazzo is expected to field a similar lineup to last match, with Orri Oskarsson in contention to feature in attack.

Prediction

This is a challenging match to predict, and Real Sociedad advancing would not be a surprise. However, Alaves have shown strong form in their recent outings and hold a psychological edge from recent head-to-head encounters. They might just have enough to narrowly edge this tight contest at home.

Prediction: Alaves 2-1 Real Sociedad