West Bromwich is one of the main contenders for a direct ticket to the Premier League. At the moment, the team takes the second place in the standings, having 81 points in its assets. Its too early to relax, because the closest pursuer Brentford is only three points away. After a quarantine pause, the blackbirds began unconvincingly, but noticeably added in the last rounds. In four previous matches, the team earned ten points by beating Sheffield U (3: 0), Hull City (4: 2) and Derby County (2: 0) and also ended the draw with Blackburn ( 1: 1).
Two-time champion and winner of the Spanish Cup, like today’s rival, improved its performance after last season. Over 35 rounds, the blue and white won 15 victories and completed six matches in the world, which brought 51 points and seventh place in the standings. The gap with the closest pursuers is only three points, so a misfire today can cost the Basques a place in the Europa League. The line of defense of the royal is the worst in the first seven and the line of attack is 53 times different at the rivals’ goal. The team’s main goalscorer are Ojarsabal and Willian Jos? (10 goals each), whereas Isak has nine goals scored. Unlike today’s rival, Real Sociedad spent the summer session unsuccessfully. The team was able to get only one victory over Espanyol (2: 1) and tied twice – with Osasuna (1: 1) and Levante (1: 1), while guests lost five matches, which jeopardized ticket to the European competition, which was practically in their pocket. In today’s match, Guevara, Ilyaramendi, Saldua, Sangaly and Yanuzai will not be able to take part.