Preview: Real Sociedad vs. Sturm Graz - prediction, team news, lineups

Real Sociedad play host to Sturm Graz on Thursday evening knowing that victory will move them closer to securing a place in the Europa League last 32.

Meanwhile, Graz make the trip to the Anoeta Stadium having suffered three successive defeats in Group B, leaving the visitors requiring a surprise win against the La Liga side.

Match preview

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On the back of an 11-match unbeaten streak in La Liga, you would be forgiven for assuming that Sociedad were prioritising their efforts on remaining at the top of the domestic standings.

However, Imanol Alguacil's close-knit squad want to go as far as possible in all competitions, giving them the best chance of securing a return to the Champions League.

Conceding a late goal to draw with Athletic Bilbao came as a considerable disappointment, Sociedad missing out on the chance to go three points clear of Real Madrid and Sevilla.

Nevertheless, it extended their undefeated run in all competitions to 14 games, and belief will remain that they can take another step towards progressing from Group B.

Alexander Isak has returned to his best form of late, the Sweden international netting in four successive games to give Sociedad the extra firepower that they require to take the next step.

From Graz's perspective, they are almost at the point of no return in Europe despite giving a good account of themselves in a difficult group.

Christian Ilzer has bigger things to worry about, however, with Graz having now suffered six defeats from seven matches in all competitions.

Such a drop in form, particularly on the domestic scene, was unexpected, and they now sit 12 points adrift of runaway top-flight leaders Red Bull Salzburg.

While this game will not necessarily be regarded as a free pass for Ilzer and his squad, it is imperative that they produce an improved performance having conceded nine times in their last three fixtures.

Team News

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With the chance to potentially go four points clear of PSV, Alguacil is not expected to make major changes to his Sociedad XI.

Aihen Munoz has started every game in this competition and could return at left-back, while Portu may feature on the right flank.

That would see either Isak or Alexander Sorloth drop down to the substitutes' bench, where they may be joined by Mikel Oyarzabal after injury.

Graz will be without Jon Gorenc Stankovic after the midfielder was handed a red card during the reverse fixture.

Ivan Ljubic is in line to come in as his replacement, and it would come as no surprise if Ilzer made further alterations after the defeat to Wolfsberger AC.

Real Sociedad possible starting lineup:
Remiro; Gorosabel, Elustondo, Le Normand, Munoz; Zubimendi, Merino; Portu, Silva, Januzaj; Isak

Sturm Graz possible starting lineup:
Siebenhandl; Jager, Affengruber, Wuthrich, Dante; Kuen, Ljubic, Prass; Niangbo; Jantscher, Yeboah

We say: Real Sociedad 2-0 Sturm Graz

While Sociedad have not scored goals freely all season, it has not stopped them being difficult to beat. With that in mind, we are predicting a comfortable win for the home side, potentially with a strike coming in either half.

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