David Flower
Dailysports's expert
Real Sociedad
Espanyol
One of the Sunday matches in the 23rd round of the Spanish Championship will take place at Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastián, where Real Sociedad will host Espanyol. Here’s a betting suggestion on the outcome of this match with a good chance of success.
Match Preview
For the first time this season, Real Sociedad has found themselves in a situation where they have suffered three consecutive defeats in La Liga. At home, they were thrashed by Getafe (0-3), and in away matches, they lost narrowly to Valencia (0-1) and Osasuna (1-2). This losing streak had not happened since December 2021. As a result of these defeats, Imanol Alguacil's team has dropped to 11th place and is now 4 points behind the European competition spots.
Apart from this, there have been problems with the attack — Real Sociedad has scored only 18 goals, with only Valladolid and Getafe having scored fewer. However, the team still boasts one of the most reliable defenses in the league. Before their latest defeat to Getafe, Sociedad hadn’t conceded a goal in four consecutive home matches, winning three of them and drawing one.
Espanyol has finally ended their losing streak in the league and is currently unbeaten in four consecutive matches. Of these, three were played at home, where the team drew with Leganés (1-1), won against Valladolid (2-1), and Real Madrid (1-0). Away, they drew with Sevilla (1-1).
Thanks to this, the club has climbed out of the relegation zone and now has a two-point cushion. However, Espanyol's problems remain, especially in away games, where they have not won in 11 consecutive matches, with three draws and eight losses. Additionally, in their last ten away games, the Catalan side has not scored more than one goal, highlighting their significant attacking issues.
Probable Lineups
- Real Sociedad: Remiro, Pacheco, Zubeldia, Munoz, Aramburu, Zubimendi, Gomez, Olasagasti, Turientes, Becker, Oyarzabal
- Espanyol: Garcia; El Hilali, Gomez, Kumbulla, Romero; Gragera, Lozano; Carreras, Kral, Cardona; Veliz
Match Facts and Head-to-Head
- This season, Espanyol has averaged fewer than one goal per match.
- Real Sociedad has defeated Espanyol in their last four encounters.
- The “Both Teams to Score” bet has been successful in two out of five previous meetings.
Prediction
Bookmakers favor Real Sociedad in this match, with odds of 1.60 for their victory. Based on Espanyol's recent performances, it will be a tough challenge for them in San Sebastián, and we suggest betting on a “Real Sociedad Victory.”
