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Monaco vs Real Sociedad Odds & Prediction – Europa League Group Stage Matchday 5

Gary Gowers

by Gary Gowers in Soccer News

Updated Nov 24, 2021 · 9:11 AM PST

Gelson Martins Monaco
Monaco's Gelson Martins reacts during the French League One soccer match between Monaco and Lille at the Stade Louis II in Monaco, Friday, Nov. 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
  • It is Monaco vs Real Sociedad in Round 5 of the Europa League on Thursday, November 25 at 3:00 pm ET
  • A win for Monaco will be enough to take them through to the knockout phase
  • We preview the game, look at the odds, and offer some picks below

It is Monaco vs Real Sociedad on Thursday, November 25, at 3:00 pm ET at Stade Louis II in Group B of the 2021-22 Europa League. Monaco heads into the game as group leaders, while Sociedad is in second just two points behind. A win here for the hosts secures them a place in the knockout stages.

We list the odds, preview Monaco vs Real Sociedad, and offer below the best picks for this Europa League clash.

Monaco vs Real Sociedad Odds

Matchup Spread Moneyline Total
Monaco vs Real Sociedad MON +1 (+155) | REA -1 (-175) MON +155 | DRAW +550 | REA +180 Ov 2.5 (+100) | Un 2.5 (-125)

Odds as of November 24 at Draftkings

Monaco Atop Group B

Monaco made a slow start to their Ligue 1 season and after 14 games are down in eighth with 19 points from their 14 games. As a result, there is considerable pressure on head coach Nico Kovac, who has so far been saved by what has been an excellent Europa League campaign. Two wins and two draws so far have set them up perfectly for a tilt at the knockout stages and a win here would guarantee their place.

The Monegasques are, however, not on a great run of form, having failed to win any of their last four, but did manage a 2-2 draw with the current French champions Lille at the weekend, when they came back from being 2-0 down inside nine minutes. In the Europa League, they have shown more consistency and have been able to build on their opening day win at home over Sturm Graz.

Fine Win Over PSV

The pick of Monaco’s performances in the Europa League has been the outstanding away win at PSV on Matchday 3, when an 89th-minute goal from Sofiane Diop gave them a vital 2-1 win, but draws against PSV at home and Sociedad away have proven equally valuable in retaining their narrow lead at the top of the group. They have not been full of goals – just four scored in four games – but their success has been underpinned by a watertight defense that has conceded just twice.

Kovac is likely to be without Krepin Diatta through injury, with Gelson Martins likely to deputize, while top scorer Wissam Ben Yedder looks likely to play his first Europa League of the campaign. Among a quite long list of absentees are Benoit Badiashile and Cesc Fabregas.

Monaco vs Real Sociedad Head-to-Head Stats

Monaco
VS
Real Sociedad
2-2-0 UEL – Record to Date 1-3-0
4 Goals For 5
2 Goals Against 4
W-W-L-D-D-D Form Guide (all competitions) D-W-D-D-W-D
1st Position in UEL Table 2nd
54 Average Possession (%) 58
82 Average Passing Accuracy (%) 84

Sociedad in La Liga Title Race

Sociedad’s goalless draw at the weekend against Valencia may have seen them lose top spot to Real Madrid but should not disguise what an outstanding season it has been so far for the team from San Sebastián. It was a draw that extended their unbeaten run across all competitions to an impressive 17 games – a run that includes nine wins.

In a season in which a top-four challenge would have been regarded as a success for Sociedad, they have topped La Liga for several weeks and, despite the minor setback at the weekend, are very much in the title race. And as they proved on Sunday, they have picked up that invaluable habit of still managing to pick up points even when not playing at their best.

A Sound Defense Key to Real’s Success

Oddly, Los Txuri-Urdin has struggled for goals a little, despite flying high both domestically and in Europe, and in La Liga have scored just 19 in their 14 games. They have, however, been very sound defensively and have been very good at edging tight games by the odd goal. They have conceded just nine goals in the league, four in Europe, and just four in their last eight.

Sociedad could be about to welcome back striker Mikel Oyarzabal to the starting XI- he played 30 minutes against Valencia – which will increase their productivity in front of goal. As this is a game they need to win in order for their Europa League fate to remain in their own hands, even a half-fit Oyarzabal could make the difference.

Monaco vs Real Sociedad Prediction

This is a tough one to call as the odds suggest but it is the Spanish side that has the momentum and also the greater incentive. While it almost certainly will not be a goal-fest, I see Sociedad taking the initiative and taking the three points with a single-goal win.

Picks: Real Sociedad to win (+180) / Real Sociedad to win 1-0 (+750)

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